The Ontario government has announced funding of nearly $5 million to go toward supportive and affordable housing projects in Windsor.

Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Steve Clark announced the funding in two separate statements on July 26.

The first announcement saw the government commit more than $3 million to help build 11 new permanent affordable housing units for people experiencing chronic homelessness.

The acquisition and renovations of a building at 7365 Wyandotte Street East will create the housing units.

The project will create longer-term housing solutions for the community and aligns with the Home Together: Windsor Essex Housing and Homelessness Master Plan approved by Windsor City Council.

The second announcement saw the government provide nearly $1.8 million to help create 26 supportive housing units for vulnerable populations including Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities and those at risk of homelessness.

An old building that is owned and operated by the Association for Persons with Physical Disabilities of Windsor/Essex County Foundation will be converted into the housing units.

Residents will be close to public transportation, parks, shopping, pharmacies, hospital care, a library and employment opportunities.

“Premier Ford and our government are focused on solving the housing crisis. That’s why our Social Services Relief Fund is providing immediate housing and homelessness relief in communities across Ontario,” said Clark. “Supporting innovative solutions like these projects in Windsor is critical as we work to keep our most vulnerable safe and housed, both during the pandemic and into the future.”

The province says it is also investing an additional $25 million annually in a new homelessness prevention program.