TBDSSAB Announces Capital Projects funded through Homelessness Prevention Program for 2024-25
December 17, 2024 – The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB) is announcing capital investments in transitional housing funded through the province’s Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP).
MPP Kevin Holland made the announcement on behalf of Minister Calandra today in Thunder Bay, with representatives present from TBDSSAB and funded organizations.
Today’s announcement is part of the province’s Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP), which provides funding to Ontario’s 47 municipal service managers for affordable housing and support services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Three organizations have received capital funding toward six initiatives from TBDSSAB through HPP for the 2024-25 fiscal year. The combined total for all projects is $8.3 million and 66 transitional housing units in the city of Thunder Bay.
| Organization | # Transitional Housing Spaces | HPP Funding Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth Fry Society of Northwestern Ontario, to retrofit 12 transitional housing spaces in a purchased home on Syndicate Avenue. | 12 spaces | $ 995,000 |
| Alpha Court, to create a transitional 16-unit tiny home community with supports on Miles Street East. | 16 spaces | $3,813,410 |
Urban Abbey, to create a combined total of 38 transitional housing spaces across four different locations.
|
38 Spaces | $3,566,220 |
| TOTAL | 66 spaces | $8,374,630 |
Through HPP, TBDSSAB funds multiple homelessness prevention initiatives, including supportive housing, community outreach and support services, housing assistance and emergency shelter solutions. Changes were made by the province to HPP funding parameters in 2022 to allow capital investments in transitional and supported housing.
For the 2024-25 fiscal year, TBDSSAB received $16.5 million in HPP funding from the province and allocated over 50% to capital projects. Including today’s announcement, TBDSSAB’s HPP capital investments have supported the creation of 190 transitional housing spaces since 2022.
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“Our government has made the largest investment in homelessness prevention in Ontario’s history because every Ontarian deserves a home that meets their needs. Today, we continue to build on that investment to ensure our partners have the tools they need to get more community, affordable and supportive housing built across the province.”
– Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
“This $8.3 million investment is a huge win for Thunder Bay, creating 66 new transitional housing units to support those at risk or experiencing homelessness. With essential onsite services like counseling, life skills training, and help for addiction and mental health, we are giving our most vulnerable the tools to rebuild their lives. Combined with other key initiatives like the Superior North STAR program, the Youth Wellness Hub, and the Safe Sobering Site, we’re building a comprehensive support system to address homelessness and mental health challenges.”
– Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay—Atikokan
“On behalf of the City of Thunder Bay, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Ontario government for their ongoing commitment to addressing homelessness and housing insecurity in our community. The investment of over $8.3 million in the creation of 66 new transitional housing units is a significant step forward in supporting those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. This funding will provide essential services, including counseling, life skills training, and addiction and mental health support, ensuring that our most vulnerable citizens have the resources they need to rebuild their lives. We are proud to collaborate with the province, the District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board and local agencies in building a stronger, more supportive community for all.”
– Ken Boshcoff, Mayor of Thunder Bay
“Thank you to Minister Calandra, MPP Kevin Holland, and the Ontario government for investing in transitional and supported housing in the District of Thunder Bay. Our communities thrive when individuals and families have access to appropriate housing options. In the situations where living independently is not the right fit, these transitional housing spaces will have a huge impact. I’m looking forward to seeing the difference the spaces announced today will make in our community.”
– Brian Hamilton, Board Chair, TBDSSAB
“Today’s announcement continues the momentum we’ve been able to build with the province’s support through HPP. Being able to use HPP funding for capital projects has transformed the way we are able to support our communities and collaborate with other organizations as service manager. We are grateful for our partnerships with Elizabeth Fry, Alpha Court, and Urban Abbey and their willingness to increase transitional and supported housing options in our district. These units have experienced, trained professionals in mental health, addictions, life skills development, and other supports aimed at stabilizing individuals to get them on the path to living independently. We are grateful to our community partners for coming forward with initiatives like these that support individuals in our community wherever they happen to be on the housing continuum.”
– Ken Ranta, Chief Executive Officer, TBDSSAB
“EFSNWO is excited to announce the expansion of its transitional housing services for women and gender-diverse individuals, a crucial step in addressing the growing housing crisis in our community. This expansion comes at a time when the need for low barrier, safer, supportive housing options is more urgent than ever. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to addressing systemic barriers and ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to thrive.”
– Lindsay Martin, Executive Director and System Advocate, EFSNWO
“Alpha Court Non-Profit Housing Corporation is ecstatic to be bringing an innovative model of housing to the city of Thunder Bay. With funding from TBDSSAB through HPP, and the assistance of a local developer, we will be building 16 tiny homes for people who are experiencing homelessness and are facing mental health and addiction challenges. All of the homes will be fully serviced, including a kitchen, bathroom and sleeping quarters, and will provide a safe and affordable place for people to live. The tiny home model will enable us to maximize available land and provide the tenants with a sense of community, belonging and personhood.
The tenants will receive support services to assist them in maintaining successful residency and reaching their personal recovery goals. Having a place to call their own will take them out of survival mode and enable them to focus on the next steps in their journey. In collaboration with our community partners, our future vision is to include a service hub on the premises.”
– Nicole Latour, Executive Director, Alpha Court Non-Profit Housing
“Urban Abbey is thrilled to be given the opportunity to work together with TBDSSAB to provide Transitional Housing apartment units for those who need it so badly. Engaging in Emergency Shelter work for the last 6 years, we are now able to provide more services and help for those entering our Shelter spaces; and offer, not only the next step in their journey, but also alleviate pressure on Thunder Bay’s shelter network. We are working to fill these spaces as quickly as possible with those who are utilizing emergency shelters currently and those who have gone through TBDSSAB’s intake process.”
– Scotland Morrison, Chairman of the Board, Urban Abbey
Related News
- December 17, 2024: Ontario Building More Transitional Housing in Thunder Bay
- April 26, 2024: TBDSSAB Announces Capital Projects funded through Homelessness Prevention Program
- April 26, 2024: Ontario Building More Supportive Housing in Thunder Bay
- June 29, 2023: TBDSSAB Announces HPP Investment Plan
- April 4, 2023: Ontario Providing More Supportive Housing for Vulnerable People