Toronto: The City of Greater Sudbury has launched two new projects to reduce homelessness and provide stable housing. The initiatives are being implemented using $2.5 million in funding received from the federal government. The primary goal is to ensure safe shelter for those living on the streets ahead of the upcoming winter season.
The municipality applied for federal funding after analyzing local data and assessing the challenges faced by the homeless population. Jaclyn Seeler, Director of Housing Services and Homelessness for the city, stated that these initiatives will help bridge existing service gaps within the community. The projects will remain operational until March 2028.
Special Consideration for Older Homeless Adults
Through the initiative titled “Pathways to Stability: Bridge Housing for Older Adults with Complex Needs,” long-term accommodation will be provided to older homeless individuals coping with health issues and other complex challenges.
Ray Landry, Coordinator of the Sudbury Homelessness Network, noted that over 100 older adults are currently living homeless on the streets and in tents in Sudbury alone.
Assistance for Unsheltered Individuals
The second project, “Pathways Home: A Housing-Focused Response to Unsheltered Homelessness,” reaches individuals living on the streets, in tents, vehicles, and other unsafe conditions. Those temporarily staying with friends or relatives will also benefit from this scheme.
Currently, individuals who have been without housing for six months or longer are included on the homelessness roster. Eligible candidates for these projects will be identified through the municipality’s Coordinated Access system.
Selected participants will receive up to six months of indoor shelter, followed by assistance to transition into long-term permanent housing. The municipality announced that locations for these projects have already been identified, with further details to be released soon.
