Four local developers and London city council are collaborating on a new supportive housing project in the Old South neighbourhood of London. The project, situated at 46 Elmwood Place, will convert a former long-term care home into 50 highly supportive housing units. These units will offer wraparound care for individuals with complex needs, including mental health care, addiction treatment, educational resources, and employment counseling. The units will be fully furnished, and staff will be available 24/7 for support. The project is ready to move forward pending council approval, with construction expected to begin this year and residents moving in by next year.
Funding for the project will come from three sources: $2 million from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund, $500,000 from the city’s annual housing supplement budget, and $5.7 million from the Health and Homelessness Fund for Change. Indwell will be responsible for managing the facility, and London Mayor Josh Morgan sees the project as a model for creating meaningful change in the city. The collaboration of the four local developers, Auburn Group, Drewlo Holdings, Sifton Properties, and Tricar, under the name Developing for Change, showcases the potential for more similar projects in the future. The developers hope that this project will inspire others to follow suit and address the pressing need for supportive housing in the community.
The location of the housing facility was chosen by the group for its potential to be quickly converted into highly supportive housing. However, some work is required on the building before it can be fully operational. Not all units have full bathroom or kitchenette facilities, so plumbing work is necessary, along with assessments of the HVAC system. Despite these challenges, the developers are optimistic about the potential of the units, which feature spacious rooms, wide hallways, and accessibility features. The developers emphasize the need for more supportive housing units in the city and are exploring additional possibilities for future projects.
London city council has endorsed a plan to bring 600 new high-support housing units to the city over three years, with 93 units already established, including an expansion at the House of Hope. Mayor Morgan highlights the transformative impact of supportive housing on individuals in need, citing a significant reduction in emergency room visits for residents since moving into supportive housing. The upcoming report on the project will be presented to the strategic priorities and policy committee on June 18, followed by council on June 25. The collaboration between the developers and the city council exemplifies a comprehensive community response to address homelessness and support vulnerable individuals in the city.
Overall, the supportive housing project in London’s Old South neighbourhood represents a significant step towards addressing the complex needs of individuals experiencing homelessness and other challenges. The partnership between the local developers, the city council, and various funding sources demonstrates a collective effort to create positive change in the community. By offering wraparound care, supportive services, and safe, stable housing, the project aims to improve the lives of residents and reduce the burden on emergency services. With plans for additional supportive housing units in the city, there is a growing momentum towards a more comprehensive and compassionate approach to addressing homelessness and supporting vulnerable populations. The project serves as a model for future collaborations and initiatives in the ongoing effort to create a more inclusive and supportive community for all residents.
