Ontario Providing Supportive Housing for Young People in Thunder Bay
August 28, 2023 –
Provincial investment will support Indigenous youth in the community
Thunder Bay — The Ontario government is providing $8.7 million through the Indigenous
Supportive Housing Program (ISHP) to help create 58 transitional housing units for youth in
Thunder Bay.
The new three-storey building, managed by the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre, has
a total of 58 units and will offer transitional housing units for Indigenous youth. It includes single
and pod style accommodations. Residents will be living and dining with a communal teaching
kitchen. Participants will be supported with 24-hour youth workers and full-time case managers
and services will include enhancement of community and relationship building, life skills
development, employment, or education.
The funding was announced by Steve Clark, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and
Kevin Holland, Member of Provincial Parliament for Thunder Bay – Atikokan.
“Our government is going to keep fighting to get shovels in the ground so all Ontarians can find
a home that meets their unique needs,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and
Housing. “I’m pleased to see this investment through the Indigenous Supportive Housing
Program being put to work to create safe, accessible homes for youth in Thunder Bay, and I’d
like to thank MPP Holland for his continued advocacy at Queen’s Park on behalf of his
community.”
The Ontario government is investing an additional $202 million each year in provincial
homelessness prevention programs, bringing Ontario’s total yearly investment to close to $700
million. This includes an increase of nearly $11 million through the Homelessness Prevention
Program for Thunder Bay, for a total of $16.5 million annually. The province has increased
annual funding for the Indigenous Supportive Housing Program by $11.5 million (or 38%) for a
total of $41.5 million.
QUOTES
“Today’s announcement is another great example of our government’s commitment to Thunder
Bay, and I appreciate the continued investments Minister Clark’s ministry is making in our
region. We’re going to keep fighting to support jobs, homes and prosperity across Northern
Ontario, to ensure no part of the province is left behind.” – Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder
Bay-Atikokan
“The importance of this transitional housing project that will serve the youth of Thunder Bay and
region cannot be overstated. We thank Minister Clarke for this historic investment of 8.7 million
dollars, Justin Marchand, CEO of Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services for his vision and
determination, The Metis Nation of Ontario and the Ontario Native Women’s association for the
delivery of these vital trauma informed wrap around services.” – Mayor Ken Boshcoff, City of
Thunder Bay
“We are grateful for the support of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to enable to
Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre to provide safe and welcoming home to Indigenous
youth who are at risk of homelessness. Our vision is to help our youth heal by sharing traditional
and cultural healing practices, and by providing life-journey supports that align with the Seven
Grandfather Teachings. We are excited to work within our community, and with our partners to
provide health and wellness services that look after our mind, body, and spirit, and enrich all our
lives. Chi-Miigwetch!” – Charlene Baglien, Executive Director, Thunder Bay Indigenous
Friendship Centre
“Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS) is honoured to be a part of this development and
being part of a shared commitment in fostering a brighter future for Indigenous youth. This
endeavor not only embodies a physical space, but a profound promise of empowerment,
growth, and resilience. This development will be a beacon of hope, echoing the resounding
belief that together, we can cultivate lasting, positive change.” – Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Board
Chair of the Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services
“Today’s announcement is a significant step towards compassion, understanding, and
empowerment for Indigenous youth at risk of homelessness. The Junot Avenue Indigenous
Youth Transition House Project will serve vulnerable youth grappling with housing instability —
who rightfully deserve a chance at recovery, healing, and a brighter future. Having the Métis
Nation of Ontario play a role in this project alongside dedicated community partners fills me with
pride and optimism for what we will be able to accomplish with the recognition of our self government.” – Margaret Froh, President of the Métis Nation of Ontario
QUICK FACTS
• Through the Homelessness Prevention Program and Indigenous Supportive Housing
Program, Service managers and Indigenous program administrators have the flexibility to
allocate provincial funding to programs and services that address and prevent
homelessness in their communities, such as rent supplements, homeless shelters, and
supportive housing including capital projects.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
• Learn more about affordable housing in Ontario and find your local service manager to see which housing supports are available in your community.
• Read the 2023 Ontario Budget: Building a Strong Ontario.
Watch the Announcement Here:
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