Work on two supportive housing projects in Waterloo Region could face delays if federal funding can’t be secured. Supportive Housing of Waterloo (SHOW) is planning to build 10 modular housing units for seniors facing homelessness on its Erb Street property in Waterloo. So far, $2.1 million of the expected $3 million budget has been raised for the project, but now, SHOW is hoping to get the rest of the money from the federal government’s Build Canada Homes fund. The fund is meant to support affordable housing projects rather than market rate housing. “They’re probably inundated with applications,” Brian Paul, executive director of SHOW, said. “We have these encouraging meetings with them, understanding that if and when they support this, that we are good to do.” The project may be delayed if that money doesn’t come through soon. “There are more older adults than ever before on the streets,” Paul said. “Many of them are experiencing homelessness for the very first time in their lives. So, you can only imagine how frightening that is.” Paul said the waitlist for adults over 60 has increased 120 per cent over the last year, and he believes the modular units can be built quickly and be ready to go by early next year if the funding is available. SHOW isn’t the only local organization hoping for Build Canada Homes Fund support. Reception House is almost ready to break ground on a 34-unit project on Wellington Street in Kitchener that is dedicated to helping refugees and newcomers settle in Canada. “Before coming to Canada, they live in a refugee camp or shelters, and once they arrive here, some of them, for financial challenges that they have, they may not be able to secure permanent accommodations,” Babur Malwadin, CEO of Reception House explained. Malwadin said some refugees are forced into the shelter system when they first arrive in Waterloo Region, but this project could change that. “It’s a safe, dignified space for refugees and newcomers, but also it benefits our community and it’s a cost saving option for the public funds,” Malwadin said. Reception House is waiting for their Build Canada Homes fund application to be approved and hope to start construction this fall. “The projects will be delayed if we do not receive the federal funding,” Mawladin said. “This is something we are expecting and hoping that the federal government supports.” Both organizations said they are working closely with the Build Canada Homes agency and are optimistic. A statement from the Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada said they are still finalizing deals. “[Build Canada Homes] is continuing to seek input from experts and key stakeholders to help inform its work, and more details on specific BCH investments will be made available on a case-by-case basis as agreements are finalized and announced in collaboration with partners,” the statement said.
