Published on: February 9, 2021
ORILLIA — The Ontario government is providing over $6.2 million to help create safe and affordable housing for Indigenous people in Orillia. The funding is being delivered through the Social Services Relief Fund and will support those experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless during COVID-19.
“Our government is working closely with our Indigenous program partners to build and acquire longer-term innovative housing solutions to meet the immediate needs of vulnerable people in response to COVID-19,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “This project will ensure that Indigenous community members who may be at risk of exposure to COVID-19 due to their current living conditions, have immediate access to safe and affordable housing.”
Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services, in partnership with the Métis Nation of Ontario, is using the funding to acquire two new innovative apartment buildings on Elgin Street. The buildings house a total of 27 units and were built using repurposed shipping containers, which allowed the homes to be created faster and more cost-effectively.
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“We are very thankful for Ontario’s partnership and assistance offered through the Social Services Relief Fund,” said Justin Marchand, Executive Director of Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services. “Working with our partner, the Métis Nation of Ontario, our ability to house and support people today and long into the future allows for greater safety and security for our Indigenous community members. When Indigenous partners lead program delivery, as Ontario has supported, then together, we achieve much better outcomes for people.”
