Indigenous people at risk of homelessness are getting new affordable housing in West Nipissing thanks to a collaborative effort by the federal and provincial governments.
Nickel Belt MP Marc Serre announced the project during a sod-turning ceremony in Sturgeon Falls.
In all, 14 homes are being created through $2.16 million dollars from the federal government and $900,000 from the province which will be applied to six of the units.
The project will be overseen by the West Nipissing Housing Development and the Ontario Aboriginal Housing Support Services Corporation.
Justin Marchand, who is the Executive Director of Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services says the announcement is a great example that shows what can be accomplished when federal, provincial and municipal governments work together with Indigenous organizations.
West Nipissing Mayor Joanne Savage says the municipality is always receptive to partnerships that contribute to social needs considering affordable housing is in high demand throughout the region and across Northern Ontario.
Serre says the West Nipissing Housing Corporation is helping people at risk of becoming homeless get into a safe place they can call home.
He adds as the federal government continues the march to reduce chronic homelessness by at least 50 percent, the work by Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services is another step forward to achieve that goal.
Speaking on behalf of the provincial government, Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli says the work of Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services gives homeless Indigenous people or those who are at risk of becoming homeless a home and the supports they need to remain in their new surroundings in a way that respects their culture and beliefs.