Toronto's second modular supportive housing building for residents experiencing homelessness is now open, marking the completion of Phase One of the City's Modular Housing Initiative.
The new building, located at 321 Dovercourt Road (formerly known as 150 Harrison Street), joins the previously opened facility at 11 Macey Avenue. Together, the two properties provide a total of 100 affordable, supportive homes.
The new three-storey building is home to 44 new self-contained units -- 25% of which are accessible -- and also contains a common room, a dining room, program space, administrative offices, and a commercial kitchen that can provide on-site meals for residents.
Each home is approximately 300 square feet and has a kitchenette and washroom and are furnished with a twin bed, a lounge chair, a dining table and chairs, and a dresser.
READ: Trudeau Government Commits $1 Billion to Modular Housing Across the Country
“Modular Housing has proven to be a quick and efficient way for our city to increase the supply of affordable housing in our city. These sites provide vulnerable residents in our city with a safe, stable, and welcoming place to call home and access to vital supports and services," said Mayor John Tory.
"Building affordable housing in Toronto has been a top priority for me as Mayor, but I know this cannot be done on our own."
The Neighbourhood Group (TNG) and Cota Health were selected to operate and provide support services at both of the completed locations. Together, they will provide 24/7 on-site staffing, as well as support services.
The support includes housing stability and eviction prevention; personal recovery relating to mental health and substance use challenges; establishing Personal Crisis Response Plans; providing help with medication reminders and safe storage; offering harm reduction and relapse prevention counselling and support; offering help with daily living activities; rent collection and arrears payment plans; and support to help residents reconnect with friends and family.
Staff will also provide residents with connections to community support and other services such as primary healthcare, volunteer and employment opportunities, and help accessing income support programs.
Through the Modular Housing Initiative, see 250 new homes will be built in two phases, with the remaining 150 homes to be built in 2021.
The full capital cost for the 250 homes is $47.5 million, with $28.75 million coming from the City’s Development Charges Reserve Fund for Subsidized Housing, and $18.75 million coming from the Government of Canada through CMHC’s Affordable Housing Innovation Fund in grants and recoverable loans.
“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Through our government’s National Housing Strategy, we are investing in innovative approaches to housing that will help build more affordable homes across the country," said Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister responsible for CMHC.
"We are proud to partner with the City of Toronto on this modular housing build, and look forward to providing more affordable housing for residents across Toronto,” said Husssen.
