The Ontario government says it’s spending $9.5 million to help create more than 100 supportive housing units in Ottawa for individuals experiencing or at-risk of homelessness.

The funding will support three projects:

Shepherds of Good Hope, 216 Murray Street – nearly $4.7 million to help create 48 studio apartments for people experiencing chronic homelessness, including at least 24 rooms prioritized for Indigenous peoples and four rooms for women. The eight-storey building is in Ottawa’s Lowertown neighbourhood and is close to transit, grocery stores and social services. Residents will have access to a dining room with meals included, a lounge, on-site laundry and 24/7 staff to help residents maintain their housing. The first floor will feature a new community meal centre and indoor/outdoor drop-in space that will be open to the community. Because the building is beside the existing Shepherds of Good Hope shelter, drop-in programming will focus on housing support and social inclusion for community members.

Cornerstone Housing for Women, 44 Eccles Street – nearly $4.2 million to help create 46 studio apartments for people experiencing or at-risk of homelessness. The four-storey building offers each resident their own washroom, kitchenette, as well as a laundry room on each floor. Twelve units are fully accessible, barrier-free with wheel-in showers, and lowered countertops. The building is staffed 24/7 and offers support to help residents to maintain their housing long-term. These supports include help with managing health and medication, counselling and mental health, goal setting, financial and education planning. Residents will be close to transit and a number of community supports.

Ottawa Mission, Florence Street Rooming House – $700,000  to help create eight units for people experiencing or at-risk of homelessness. The three and a half-storey building has been fully renovated inside and the exterior of the building was updated, including brand new windows. All units include private or semi-private washrooms and access to a communal kitchen. There is shared laundry and a backyard. Residents are close to grocery stores, bus routes and service providers.

The money comes from the province’s Social Services Relief Fund (SSRF). The government says the fund has provided over $1.2 billion of support to help municipal service managers and Indigenous program administrators create longer-term housing solutions and help vulnerable people in Ontario, including those who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness.