WHITBY, ONT.—The federal government through the CMHC has announced $4 million in funding to help create 36 new affordable homes for individuals and families in Durham Region through the Projects Stream under the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI).
The units will be allotted to people in uncertain housing situations including homelessness or living in temporary shelters because of the pandemic, stated a release.
Funding will also come through Ontario’s Social Services Relief Fund, also created to help vulnerable people.
The funds will go to two new projects. The Muslim Welfare Residences with 26 units located at 732-740 Dundas Street in Whitby will be operated by the Muslim Welfare Centre of Toronto, and Oshawa Microhomes, with 10 units, will be located at the corner of Drew Street and Olive Avenue in Oshawa.
Under the RHI, units are intended to be constructed within 12 months of when funding is provided to program applicants.
“With more Rapid House Initiative funding going directly towards two new local projects resulting in 36 new units, the Region is delighted that our partners continue to confirm the importance of addressing the urgent housing needs of our vulnerable residents. This is another major step towards achieving the Region’s goal of ending chronic homelessness by 2024,” stated John Henry, CEO of the Region of Durham in a statement.
I’m glad to see that Durham Region is constructing new affordable housing units. It’s about time, but keep going. With housing & rentals being so expensive Durham Region needs more affordable housing.