New supportive housing units coming to Guelph

GUELPH – Thirty-two new supportive housing units will be built in Guelph with the support all three levels of government and various private and non-profit organizations.

On Sept. 28 the County of Wellington announced the project, which will proceed with the support of the federal and provincial governments, the City of Guelph, the Skyline Group of Companies, Kindle Communities and the United Way of Guelph-Wellington-Dufferin.

The county is designated by the province as service manager for all social services in both the Guelph and Wellington County.

The new 32-unit building will be located at 10 Shelldale Crescent and will be owned and operated by Kindle Communities.

The building will offer 24/7 on-site wrap-around staff support and services to residents.

“The County of Wellington is committed to ending homelessness in Guelph-Wellington,” said Warden Kelly Linton.

“We are incredibly fortunate to be working with strong partners federally, provincially and locally to create 32 units of housing for people currently at risk of or experiencing chronic homelessness."

The Government of Canada is investing over $2.5 million through the National Housing Co- Investment Fund (NHCF).

Through federal and provincial programs such as Reaching Homes and the Social Service Relief Fund, Wellington County has committed over $4 million in funding grants towards the project.

The county has worked in partnership with the City of Guelph to support their grant of $1.3 million, and is an active partner in support of the United Way Guelph-Wellington-Dufferin’s investment of $2 million to the project, states a press release issued by the county.

“Today’s announcement is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when all levels of government and community partners come together to address critical needs in our communities,” said county councillor David Anderson, who chairs the social services committee.

“This new supportive housing building will offer people experiencing homelessness a safe and affordable place to call home."

“The investment announced today will help fill a critical housing gap in the City of Guelph,” stated social services administrator Luisa Artuso.

“It will also be instrumental in supporting the health and well-being of those currently experiencing homelessness."

Construction of the building is expected to be completed by spring.