Published on: September 3, 2020
SAULT STE. MARIE, Ontario – Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. That’s why the governments of Canada and Ontario are providing $2.9 million to help construct 15 units of housing in Sault Ste. Marie. This investment will ensure more Indigenous women and children have access to affordable housing in their community.
Details were provided today by Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie on behalf of The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation along with Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for Ontario and Ross Romano, Member of Provincial Parliament, Sault Ste. Marie.
The development transforms the former St. Bernadette Catholic School, at 462 McNabb Street, into an affordable housing complex to support Indigenous women and children who are at risk of homelessness. The development is supported by the Urban Indigenous Homeward Bound program run through the Friendship Centre in Sault Ste Marie. Onsite child and family care is provided by Waabinong Head Start and Family Resource Centre. Homeward Bound provides independent affordable housing along with services and supports including child care, life skills, assistance in obtaining a post-secondary education, employment mentoring through an industry council and transition to independence.
Homeward Bound is receiving funding through the federal-provincial Social Infrastructure Fund. It gives communities the flexibility to address their local housing needs by funding new rental construction, home repairs, housing allowances, rent supplements or home ownership. In addition to the school conversion, a single-family home and a triplex located nearby is providing four more units of housing for Indigenous women and their children.
Pictured:
Kevin Tegosh, General Manager of Waabinong Head Start Family Resource Centre
Mayor Christian Provenzano of Sault Ste. Marie
Justin Marchand, Executive Director of Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services
Terry Sheehan, MP of Sault Ste. Marie
Elder Shirley Roach
Cathy Syrette, Executive Director of the Sault Ste. Marie Indigenous Friendship Centre
Minister Steve Clark, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Minister Ross Romano, Ministry of Colleges and Universities and MPP of Sault Ste. Marie
