A new supportive housing project is coming to St. Thomas, thanks to the on-going partnership between the city and Indwell.
And a groundbreaking ceremony was held Thursday morning on the site of the former Balaclava Street Public School.
Just over a year ago, Indwell announced that they will be transforming the four-storey structure into 78 units of supportive housing, equipped with essential supports to assist residents, and to be known as Balaclava Crossing.
This will include 36 units within the existing school structure and an additional 42 units in a new extension.
Lynette Lewis, Indwell Regional Program Manager praised members of council and city staff for their efforts to solve homelessness.
Indwell, a Christian charity dedicated to providing affordable housing and community support, will offer essential services to residents, promoting health, stability, and independence, stressed Indwell CEO Jeff Neven.
This is the third Indwell project in St. Thomas, starting with the Railway City Lofts above the Transit Terminal on Talbot Street, followed by The Station on Queen Street.
These projects plus initiatives like the YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin’s Project Tiny Hope have garnered national recognition for the city’s efforts in reducing homelessness, advised Neven.
Neven stressed that Indwell’s plan preserves the heritage building dating, back to 1898, while adapting it for long-term housing and community supports.
But it doesn’t end there.
Balaclava Crossing is supported through $24 million in funding announced Thursday from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
The province is kicking in $4 million through the Last Mile Funding program and the city is supporting the undertaking with $1.9 million through its Housing Accelerator Fund and a land contributions valued at $1.3 million.
Mayor Joe Preston observed, “Balaclava School has been given a new life and purpose because of Indwell. How wonderful to know that the beauty and potential in this historic landmark is being repurposed to care for and house vulnerable members of our community.”
Written by Ian McCallum
