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MPP Holland Announces More Transitional Housing in Thunder Bay

Provincial investment will support individuals experiencing or at-risk of homelessness in the community

December 17th, 2024

THUNDER BAY — The Ontario government is providing more than $8.3 million dollars through the Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) to help create 66 transitional housing units in Thunder Bay that will support individuals experiencing or at-risk of homelessness.

The six locations receiving funding will provide onsite supports including counseling, life skills training, and help for addiction and mental health challenges:

  • 212 Miles Street East: More than $3.8 million dollars will help create 16 transitional housing units.

  • 401 Syndicate Avenue: $995,000 will help create 12 transitional housing units.

  • 34 Machar Ave: $270,000 will help create 4 transitional housing units.

  • 312 Red River Road: $990,000 will help create 6 transitional housing units.

  • 100 – 108 Simpson Street: $250,000 will help create 4 transitional housing units.

  • 110 – 116 Simpson Street: More than $2 million dollars will help create 24 transitional housing units.

“Our government has made the largest investment in homelessness prevention in Ontario’s history because every Ontarian deserves a home that meets their needs,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “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.”

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.

Quick Facts

  • Through the 2023 budget, Ontario invested an additional $202 million each year in the Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) and the Indigenous Supportive Housing Program (ISHP) to help those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and to support the community organizations delivering supportive housing.

  • Thunder Bay was allocated $16,549,000 in HPP funding in 2023-24, which almost triples the funding amount provided in 2022-23.

Quotes

“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 to build 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 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, The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board

“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, The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board