Securing Funding for Supportive Housing in Toronto - by Councillor Mike Layton, seconded by Councillor Gord Perks

Of those, 1,100 supportive housing units still require operating funding. The Province is responsible for the operating funding needed to operate these affordable apartments and to provide the on-site wrap around services required by residents. While the provincial budget acknowledges the importance of supportive housing, the money required to actually provide it is completely missing - both the $26.35 million annually beginning this year for 1,100 new supportive housing opportunities, and a commitment for funding in future years to deliver up to 2,000 new supportive housing units as part of the City's COVID-19 Housing and Homelessness Plan. Despite the continued strong advocacy from the Mayor and Councillors, time is running out. If the Province doesn't commit to the $26.35 million annually by May, we won't be able to open these 1,100 new units. They are desperately needed by Toronto's residents and the City has already secured them using the federal Rapid Housing Initiative and City capital funding. We cannot let them sit empty. Over the last year the Province acknowledged the urgent need to help those impacted by COVID-19. While the province has provided $90 million in temporary response funding for 2021, this is far below what is required to fund the City's current shelter response to the pandemic, let alone fund these supportive housing projects on an ongoing basis. What is really needed right now is action and money, not words. Funding supportive housing is the right thing to do and makes strong financial sense. Every month, approximately 8,000 individuals use our shelter system, including 3,600 people who cannot afford permanent housing, and whose use is chronic. The beds they occupy cost $6000 a month to fund, whereas only $2000 per month is needed for a supportive apartment. Ending chronic homelessness is possible through the provision of supportive housing, but only if all levels of government prioritize housing first, and possess the political will to make it happen.

Council meeting that includes the status of funding secured for supportive housing from the Province of Ontario and options to achieve the City's 2021 and future supportive housing targets.