Province, feds kick in $2.9M to help fund housing for Indigenous women and children

The city is getting a boost from the federal and provincial governments to help construct new housing units.

A total of $2.9 million will be spent on 15 units of housing geared to Indigenous women and children in the Sault Ste. Marie community. The units will be be built at the former St. Bernadette Catholic School at 462 McNabb St.

The following is a statement issued by MP Terry Sheehan's office:

Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. 

That’s why the governments of Canada and Ontario are providing $2.9 million to help construct 15 units of housing in Sault Ste. Marie. This investment will ensure more Indigenous women and children have access to affordable housing in their community. 

Details were provided today by Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie on behalf of The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation along with Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for Ontario and Ross Romano, Member of Provincial Parliament, Sault Ste. Marie. 

The development transforms the former St. Bernadette Catholic School, at 462 McNabb Street, into an affordable housing complex to support Indigenous women and children who are at risk of homelessness. The development is supported by the Urban Indigenous Homeward Bound program run through the Friendship Centre in Sault Ste Marie.

On-site child and family care are provided by Waabinong Head Start and Family Resource Centre. Homeward Bound provides independent affordable housing along with services and supports including childcare, life skills, assistance in obtaining a post-secondary education, employment mentoring through an industry council and transition to independence.

Homeward Bound is receiving funding through the federal-provincial Social Infrastructure Fund. It gives communities the flexibility to address their local housing needs by funding new rental construction, home repairs, housing allowances, rent supplements or home ownership. In addition to the school conversion, a single-family home and a triplex located nearby is providing four more units of housing for Indigenous women and their children.