Niagara Falls receives $4M from province for supportive housing

The Ontario government is providing Niagara Falls with almost $4 million to create 25 supportive housing units for people experiencing homelessness.

The two-storey former motel located at 5528 Buchanan Ave. has been renovated into bachelor apartments, larger accommodations for families and accessible units. It also includes counselling and social programming for tenants.

Associate Housing Minister Nina Tangri says the funds will provide long-term housing solutions for the most vulnerable people in the region.

Residents will be close to public transportation, parks, grocery stores, pharmacies, the hospital and employment opportunities.

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Niagara’s housing board chair Gary Zalepa says the region sees a significant increase in demand for housing every year.

Ontario is also investing an additional $202 million each year in homelessness prevention programs, which includes an increase of over $9.6 million through the program for Niagara Region.

Housing Minister Steve Clark says supportive housing is a critical component of Ontario’s commitment to build at least 1.5 million new homes by 2031.

“This will help vulnerable Ontarians find a home that meets their needs and budget,” Clark said in a press release Thursday.