With this doubling of funds from the Rapid Housing Initiative, the city is on track to build five supportive housing sites totalling 210 units that are planned to be operational by next March.
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Another 130 units of supportive housing for Edmontonians struggling with homelessness can be constructed after another $17.9 million in support was announced Wednesday by the federal government.
Federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Ahmed Hussen announced the funding Wednesday morning, adding to the $17.3 million received back in October for two housing sites.
With this doubling of funds from the Rapid Housing Initiative, the city is on track to build five supportive housing sites totalling 210 units that are planned to be operational by next March.
Mayor Don Iveson said this moves the city a big step forward in meeting its goal of 900 supportive housing units by 2024.
“There is no time like the present to pivot to prevention strategies like housing that will create jobs, improve dignity and outcomes for vulnerable people and reduce those heavy societal costs that we continue to bear,” Iveson said during the announcement. “The further need for permanent, affordable housing with supports embedded is urgent and we have a great opportunity in front of us now to make meaningful change.”
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The funding announced Wednesday will go toward three modular housing projects on city-owned sites. A five-storey building in the Terrace Heights neighbourhood will create 46 residences, a five-storey structure in Inglewood will have 30 units and a third site in Westmount will provide 54 units. The Westmount site is also being funded through a $6.5-million investment from the provincial government’s municipal stimulus program.
This is in addition to sites in King Edward Park and Wellington that have already been funded and approved.
Hussen also announced $6.9 million for a seniors affordable housing project in Edmonton through GEF Seniors Housing. The project, Lauderdale Terrace, will provide 37 units of affordable housing for low-income seniors with 12 reserved specifically for women.
More to come.
