Published by Ontario Newsroom – Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing on September 29th 2022
BARRIE – The Ontario government is providing more than $800,000 to help create two affordable housing units in Barrie.
Through a partnership between the Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services and the Barrie Native Friendship Centre, this investment will help provide better, safer and secure access to housing to more Indigenous people who need it. The house was acquired through an acquisition of a residential property with two units. The duplex home was fully renovated, the main floor unit has three bedrooms, and the secondary basement unit has two bedrooms. The housing units are for tenants who are Indigenous and/or families at risk of homelessness or who are currently underhoused, and people fleeing domestic violence are also eligible. Rents will be affordable and include utilities.
“Indigenous people looking for supportive housing often struggle to find culturally appropriate accommodations that meet their unique needs. The project we’re celebrating is a great example of how our government is partnering with Indigenous communities in Barrie, and across Ontario to deliver housing solutions for the most vulnerable members of our communities,” said Michael Parsa, Associate Minister of Housing. “Through innovation, collaboration and commitment, we’re ensuring every Ontarian has a safe place to call home.”
As highlighted in Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy, today’s announcement is part of the province’s Social Services Relief Fund, which has provided over $1.2 billion of support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, to help municipal service managers and Indigenous program partners create longer-term housing solutions and help vulnerable Ontarians, including those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
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“The capacity for change we can create by working together with our government and community partners continues to strengthen. With the efforts of Associate Minister Michael Parsa at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services, and Barrie Native Friendship Centre, this project will help serve our Indigenous community in need of safe and affordable housing, and I we know these continued partnerships increase that capacity for change.” – Justin Marchand Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services
