Press Release
Today (Nov. 22) marks Canada’s 17th-annual National Housing Day.
This day originally was meant to honour a state of emergency declared in 1998 due to high levels of homelessness in urban centres.
It is widely recognized today that homelessness is not just an urban issue, and that a shortage of affordable housing is an issue nationally, provincially, and locally.
At the local level, the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board honours this day and pledges its ongoing commitment to providing affordable housing to district residents in need.
“We are aware of the current housing situation in the district and have been working very hard to try to address it,” said Sandra Weir, Integrated Services Manager (Housing Lead) at the local DSSAB.
“This past spring, we worked on several proposals for more housing across the district,” she noted.
As part of a provincially-funded Initiative in Affordable Housing Extension (IAH-E), Weir said the DSSAB is pleased to announce approval for an eight-bachelor unit apartment building for single individuals.
This eight-unit building will be located on Fifth Street East (behind Lady Frances Place).
Construction already is underway, which is expected to be completed in May.
In the interim, the local DSSAB is continuing to work with district partners to address the growing issue of homelessness in order to address the issue of emergency shelter and supports to ensure successful and long-term housing solutions.
Individuals or families who currently are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, are encouraged to visit the DSSAB at 450 Scott St. in Fort Frances or the Rawn Road Centre in Atikokan to learn what supports may be available.
They also can call 274-5349 or visit www.rrdssab.ca
