COUNTY OF WELLINGTON – The County of Wellington social services committee is putting its support behind two Guelph supportive housing projects.
At a meeting Wednesday, director of housing Mark Poste presented a report that reccomends working with the Welcome In Drop in Centre’s Parkview Motel conversion project.
Poste explained one aspect of this would be committing $1.2 million from the Social Services Relief Fund (SSRF).
“This project would create 30 new supportive housing units, filling a need in our community for the most vulnerable,” Poste said.
He added that the project is applying for funding from the Rapid Housing Initiative, from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC), which is a Canada-wide program that commits $1 billion towards creating affordable housing.
“It needs the county support in this application as well,” Poste said. “Staff would like to support this project anyway we can to get this project the maximum contribution through the CMHC Rapid Housing Initiative.”
Poste clarified that the $1.2 million is contingent on meeting the SSRF eligibility requirements and any requirements the county has for the project moving forward.
The report also noted that the Drop in Centre has made an ask of $383,000 annually to support operations of the project.
Although no commitment can be made on that aspect, Poste mentioned that the housing division is reviewing its homeless system and may determine funds can be allocated for this.
The City of Guelph is being asked to put in $540,000 for this project.
Poste explained this difference is related to the county’s role as the social services administrator and the opportunities available to them for COVID-related relief funding.
The committee also considered the next steps on working with Kindle Communities 30-unit permanent supportive housing project in the Willow Road area of Guelph.
At October’s social services committee meeting, representatives from the project asked the county for a $1.25 million contribution.
Social services administrator Eddie Alton explained that this project too qualifies for some federal and provincial funding for a one-time contribution from the county.
However, there is also uncertainty on the cost of ongoing support for the project and Alton said they would need to know their total commitment before approving funding.
With some application deadlines coming up, Alton asked for delegated authority for himself, the CAO and treasurer in case deadlines are before the committee meets again in January.
“We would like to be able to apply for that funding to try to get it secured because 30 supportive housing beds serving our community would be great,” Alton said.
The City of Guelph is being asked for $550,000 and Alton explained this difference relates to the county using federal and provincial funds compared to the city’s municipal dollars.
Both recommendations were approved to go forward to county council's consideration.
