Kitchener's housing affordability strategy

[tomh009]

The Kitchener council approved a comprehensive housing strategy, ranging from shelters to market-priced home ownership, but at whose heart is housing affordability, and particularly so for people who can least afford it.



https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-...ategy.html

The city intends to work with the region (which has the responsibility for subsidized housing) and leverage funding from provincial and federal governments. The targets, by 20205 (so a five-year timespan) include:

• 450 supportive units for the homeless (presumably targeting those sleeping rough)
  
• 5,000 community housing units for low-income 
  
• 9,000 affordable rental units
  

It was earlier announced that the region is to receive $8.2M to build 36 supportive housing units for women on Block Line Road in Kitchener, as well as 48 modular units in Cambridge.

Two days ago, the region announced that it has selected the organizations (by lottery) to receive donations of three surplus properties: 24, 32 and 34 Mill St, between the REEP House and the Mike Wagner Green. MennoHomes will receive 24 Mill, while KW Urban Native Wigwam Project will receive 32 and 34 Mill.
https://www.kitchenertoday.com/local-new...ng-3209787

[neonjoe]

I wonder if the modular homes will be similar to these in Toronto.
https://www.blogto.com/city/2020/12/toro...vzgu5MBbGc

Looks like a nice quick way to put up respectable looking homes for those in need. The units look quite nice inside.

[jeffster]

I wonder if the modular homes will be similar to these in Toronto.
https://www.blogto.com/city/2020/12/toro...vzgu5MBbGc

Looks like a nice quick way to put up respectable looking homes for those in need. The units look quite nice inside.

Interesting fact, for these: "At $2,000 per unit per month, each unit will cost about half what it takes to run emergency shelters." I have to wonder why both (shelter and these units) cost so much. My guess would be mostly the cost of support for these individuals, but I really don't know.

[tomh009]

I wonder if the modular homes will be similar to these in Toronto.
https://www.blogto.com/city/2020/12/toro...vzgu5MBbGc

Looks like a nice quick way to put up respectable looking homes for those in need. The units look quite nice inside.

Interesting fact, for these: "At $2,000 per unit per month, each unit will cost about half what it takes to run emergency shelters." I have to wonder why both (shelter and these units) cost so much. My guess would be mostly the cost of support for these individuals, but I really don't know.

Yes. It's not the space, it's the people and the infrastructure.

And when you consider that it costs $4000/month or so to house one person in an emergency shelter, it starts making sense why a "housing first" policy can be not only good for the homeless people but also less expensive for the government.