Published on January 13, 2022 by the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

TORONTO — The Ontario government is investing $10 million in new annual funding to provide Indigenous-led, culturally appropriate long-term housing solutions and support services to Indigenous people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Indigenous people looking for supportive housing often struggle to find culturally appropriate accommodations that meet their unique needs. Through a partnership with the Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services and Miziwe Biik Development Corporation, this investment will help provide better, safer and secure access to housing to more Indigenous people who need it.

This new funding can be used for longer-term housing solutions such as supportive housing, transitional housing, rent supplements and housing allowances, and help to avoid emergency-based responses like shelters. It will provide a secure, predictable source of funding for Indigenous housing providers to deliver culturally appropriate supportive housing services to support the health and well-being of Indigenous people in their communities.

“We are thankful for our positive and constructive relationship with Minister Clark, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Government of Ontario. This funding that centers on supports for mental health and addictions is vital for supporting the people we serve in urban, rural, and northern areas across Ontario. It’s notable that the support for our communities continues after housing development, and this funding ensures that supports and needs are fulfilled.”

– Coralee McGuire-Cyrette
Chair, Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services

Click here to read the full news release

Click here to watch the announcement