Support House breaks ground on new Maria Street, Acton supportive housing building
Left to right: Halton Hills Mayor Ann Lawlor, Milton MP Adam van Koeverden, Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr, Support House Executive Director Paul Gregory
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Support House Executive Director Paul Gregory was joined by Adam van Koeverden, Member of Parliament for Milton, Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr and Halton Hills Mayor Ann Lawlor to break ground on a new two-storey, 12-bedroom supportive housing building to be built at 47 Maria Street in Acton. Designed by Invizij Architects, the facility will be fully accessible and include a common area and program space to provide on-site support to people who are unhoused and those who need help with mental health and substance use concerns.
“Investments in supportive housing help reduce systemic and structural inequities; provide community and belonging through inclusion and strengthen our housing and public health systems,” says Paul Gregory, Executive Director of Support House, which provides low barrier approaches to providing accommodation, healthcare and support services to people in Halton region.
Halton Region provided $3.94 million for this project, which also received $2 million in funding from the federal government through Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy. This new building contributes to the Region’s comprehensive plan to address the increased demand for more assisted housing and support services in Halton.
“Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home, and this project in Halton Hills will go a long way in ensuring that people in vulnerable conditions have the support they need.” said Adam van Koeverden, Member of Parliament for Milton, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada.
“Halton Region is committed to bringing more assisted and supportive housing units to our community, and these types of partnerships are a great way to get shovels in the ground faster for those who need it most,” says Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “We proudly funded $3.94 million of this project and look forward to working with all levels of government to keep the momentum going. Thank you to Support House for all you do for Halton residents and the Federal government for the funding through Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy that helped make this project possible.”
“I am pleased to see this investment in Halton Hills that supports a vibrant and affordable community for all,” says Mayor Ann Lawlor. “Our town will be successful only if residents have access to an adequate supply and range of housing choices and I thank the Region of Halton and Support House for their efforts on this project.”
Studies from CMHA show that investing in supportive housing and peer support programming saves considerably across the healthcare, social services, and justice sectors. A person in social housing costs the sector approximately $613 per month. If that person were in a shelter, that cost would increase to $1840 per month. If that person ends up in a hospital bed, it costs the system $20,000-plus per month.
“The most effective strategies for addressing housing instability focus on providing comprehensive support, prevention, and housing-led solutions,” explains Gregory.
“Investment in supportive housing will result in overall cost-savings at all levels of government.”
About Support House
Support House provides low-barrier approaches to providing accommodation, healthcare and support to people with housing instability since 1984.
Everyone deserves and has a right to housing and healthcare.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Paul Gregory, Executive Director, Support House
1-833-845-9355 ext. 134
Halton Region Media Contact
Holly Einboden
905-825-6000
