Canada invests in homelessness initiatives and affordable housing

The Government of Canada is expanding its efforts to combat homelessness through new funding initiatives. The federal government has announced a $125 million investment to extend the Unsheltered Homelessness and Encampments Initiative (UHEI) by one year, spanning 2024 to 2026. Of this, up to $45.5 million is allocated to 10 municipalities in Ontario to strengthen local responses, enhance outreach, and create pathways to stable housing.

In New Brunswick, the federal government, the Province of New Brunswick, and the City of Saint John have announced combined funding of over $4.5 million. This investment aims to construct 14 safe, supportive housing units specifically for youth at risk of homelessness in Saint John. These efforts are supported by Maisons Canada, a new federal agency focused on accelerating the construction of affordable and transitional housing in collaboration with various levels of government and Indigenous communities.