Forty-two new residents moved into transitional housing from shelters and encampments. The province says renovations are still underway, but when completed, the fully operational units will house up to 118 residents, providing 24/7 wraparound supports.
“When I lost my job in Montreal two years ago, I was at a loss because I had to give up the apartment I had. I didn’t know what I was going to do and where I was going to go,” said Robert Little, a resident.
Little was one of the first residents to move in the new transitional units. The 78-year-old was staying in the former n’dinawemak shelter before it closed its doors on April 1.
“I was one of the original 25. And it was scary for me,” he explained.
The province allocated $24.5 million in its budget released earlier this year. The funds were to be spent on purchases and renovations.
Minister Smith said renovations will be completed in the coming weeks, but did not provide a concrete deadline.
“That’s really what it’s about, supporting and meeting people where they’re at and helping them to get to where they want to be,” said Minister Smith.
Supports include case management, crisis response, life-skills development, medication supports, Indigenous cultural and spiritual programming, and connections to mental health and addictions services.