Ontario is kicking in $1.2 million to help connect tenants of a 45 unit affordable housing development in St. Thomas with mental health and addiction support services.
Associate Minister of Housing and Elgin Middlesex London MPP Rob Flack announced the funding for the apartment building at 16 Queen St. on Friday. In addition to the mental health and addiction supports, the money will also be put toward operational funding for rent supplements.
"These homes will make a real difference in people's lives, and I'm proud that our government is supporting projects like this one all across the province," said Flack. “This is a great day for the City of St. Thomas and for Elgin-Middlesex-London."
Tenants of the building, called "The Station", began moving in last month. The 28,115-square foot space includes a community kitchen, a common area, laundry room, nurse's office, and city fire substation. It is staffed around the clock offering services such as supervised social work, addiction support, behavioural support, housing support casework, food security, and 24/7 on-call support.
Providing the tenants with access to these services, closer to home, will reduce the number of emergency room and hospital visits, according to the province.
As the newest affordable housing project by Christian-based charity Indwell Community Homes, units at The Station are for people over the age of 18 with mental health and addiction issues who are experiencing housing instability. Indwell operates a similar affordable housing project elsewhere in St. Thomas, as well as ones in London and Woodstock.