Inn From the Cold and York Region are getting a funding boost to help build a new transitional housing facility in Newmarket.
The federal government and regional municipality announced millions in funding to support the region as it develops affordable community housing in Newmarket and Stouffville, totalling 141 units.
The Newmarket housing project, headed by Inn From the Cold, is getting more than $7.5 million in funding as it builds a three-storey building with 44 beds for both transitional and emergency housing. Another community housing project in Stouffville with 97 units under construction has received more than $31 million in federal and provincial funding.
“If we are to overcome the affordability challenges we face today, we must provide a range of housing options,” Newmarket Mayor John Taylor said in a news release. “Increasing the supply of housing alone will not address the needs of the most vulnerable in our communities. Transitional housing units, like those Inn From the Cold will build in Newmarket, are an effective way of getting people back into stable housing and an integral part of how we will tackle homelessness.”
Dignitaries gathered at the Stouffville Housing project Nov. 3 to make the funding announcements. The Stouffville project will offer one, two and three-bedroom units and is expected to be complete by summer 2024.
The Inn From the Cold project has been in the works for more than two years, with the shelter seeking to create a new facility and headquarters. The project has received complete backing from the municipality, as well as capital funding from the region. It is expected to be complete by fall 2024.
“I’m proud of our government’s contribution to these projects,” Newmarket-Aurora MP Tony Van Bynen said. “Thanks to the National Housing Strategy, more vulnerable communities in my riding and across the region will now have access to affordable housing that will help them get back on their feet, leading to better community engagement and cohesion, financial security, and stability.”
Inn From the Cold is getting funding from the federal Rapid Housing Initiative, which focuses on immediate housing needs. The third round of the initiative is expected to help 5,200 units get created across Canada.
The Stouffville project has received funding from several pools, including the Rapid Housing Initiative, the National Housing CO-Investment Fund, the Investment in Affordable Housing Extension and the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative.
“Our government is actively investing in affordable housing through the National Housing Strategy,” Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Sean Fraser said. “This initiative will improve lives and benefit the wider community, demonstrating our commitment to addressing housing challenges across the country.”
“York Regional council is committed to building complete, inclusive communities with a full range of housing options and services to support residents at all ages and stages of their lives,” York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson said.
