A unique housing program in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., is expanding to help more residents achieve homeownership while training people for skilled trades. The social services board’s ‘Affordable Home Ownership Program’ has broadened eligibility to include people not currently in social housing. The program has a dual mission: creating affordable housing and providing job training. Social Services purchases homes in need of repair and uses them as live training sites for students from the Sault Career Centre. “We buy a house that’s in need of repair in an area of the community that’s a bit depressed,” said the board’s CEO Mike Nadeau. “We run a training program through it, for people in receipt of Ontario Works or receipt of ODSP and last year there in 2024 to 2025, we got 91 people employed.” Nadeau told CTV News that the rationale for expanding eligibility beyond the social housing community. “We know that the need just doesn’t exist within the social housing community,” he said. “So we thought, how can we actually expand the program to just to make sure that we’re really doing as much good across the community as we possibly can?” Student experience, eligibility criteria Students like Jasmine Bob spend 10 weeks in the program, gaining hands-on experience. For Bob, a mother of four, the opportunity has been transformative. “Just even taking that step forward to getting to the in this program was, was huge for me,” she said. “I’m a mother of four and I wasn’t really knowing what I want to do and then I went full throttle into this course and I’m like, ‘Oh, this is this is what I want to do.’” Bob has gained practical skills and confidence. “We’ve learned a lot with hand and power tools,” she said. “I think I I’ve learned quite a lot. So, I think, I’m ready to do this as a career.” Under the expanded eligibility, applicants must meet a specific set of criteria. They must: Life-changing impact Successful applicants purchase the renovated homes at Social Services’ original purchase price, not the post-renovation market value, creating immediate equity. A five-year lien prevents a quick sale for profit. “We have a home that we’re working on right now. It has a valuation of around $165,000 that we’re going to sell it for,” said Nadeau. “But if we were to go to the market, it would be valued at around $250,000. So, the family starts with an immediate, net equity, cash injection into their house.” Those involved said the program’s outcomes are profound. Nadeau calls it ‘life changing,’ noting stories of people exiting social housing after over a decade to become homeowners. He views the initiative as a comprehensive win. “People are getting jobs, we’re creating affordable units,” Nadeau said. “We’re freeing up a rental unit on the other side and we’re doing neighborhood revitalization.” Call for funding Despite its success, the program lacks permanent funding. Nadeau is advocating for the provincial ministry to incorporate it into their core operational budget. “We’re asking the ministry to make sure that the operational program for, funding for this program becomes part of our core budget,” he said. Right now, every year the board has to apply for the operational dollars. “We’re saying we’ve already demonstrated the success,” Nadeau added. Bob echoes the sentiment on the program’s value. “I feel really glad that we have this these kinds of programs and for people that are struggling to get the hands on experience its going to benefit a lot of people, that’s for sure.” Full eligibility details and application information are available on the Sault Ste. Marie Social Services website and social media channels.
