Ontario’s Ministry of Municipal Affairs and housing announced two investments of a combined total of more than $3.7 million for affordable housing in Muskoka and Kingston earlier this month.

The money will be used to build supportive housing projects—those that accommodate people with a wide range of needs, including Indigenous people, those with mental health issues, people with developmental disabilities, seniors, youth, and people who have experienced homelessness—in both regions.

Kingston will receive $2.2 million of the funding. The money will be invested in new units planned for the Kingston Home Base Supportive Housing Project at Princess Street United Church on Albert Street. The church will be incorporated into a new fully accessible building that will include transitional housing with supports, a job skills centre, an event and performing arts facility, as well as the One Roof, Kingston Youth Services Hub.

"Home Base Housing and its many community partners have a plan to end youth homelessness," said executive director Tom Greening. “Our long-term vision for the redevelopment of 484 Albert Street includes new supportive housing which will be affordable and will incorporate counselling and employment training opportunities for the young people in our community who will live there. The quick response from the Province of Ontario to help make this vision become reality is welcome news. We are ready to move ahead with this exciting project.”

In Muskoka, the province will spend $1.5 million to fund construction of a supportive housing project planned by the District Municipality of Muskoka. The new units will be located in the Town of Bracebridge and will feature space for support service agencies that offer programs for homeless, disadvantaged youth and youth at risk of homelessness.

"Housing and services to support the most vulnerable members in our communities is a top priority for council," said John Klinck, Chair, District Municipality of Muskoka. "We are so appreciative of this funding from the province. These new units and supports will have a tremendous impact on the lives of youth experiencing or facing potential homelessness in Muskoka."

Funding for both projects is provided through the Home for Good program.