LONDON: Peter Fragiskatos, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for London North Centre, on behalf of Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, alongside Arielle Kayabaga, Member of Parliament for London West, Matt Feldberg, Director of Municipal Housing Development, Housing Development Corporation London, and Jeff Neven, CEO of Indwell celebrated the opening of Embassy Commons, which will provide 72 housing units for people living with disabilities and mental health issues.
Located at 740 Dundas Street in London and owned and operated by Indwell, this project will offer supportive housing at deeply affordable rents for people who have struggled with housing stability, usually because of a mental health disability. The building has accessible common areas with community kitchens, and the outdoor amenity spaces provide the infrastructure to encourage active community engagement for all tenants.
The Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario have invested nearly $1 million in this project through the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI), an initiative of the Canada – Ontario Bilateral Agreement under the National Housing Strategy.
Additionally, the project previously received $13.2 million in funding from the federal government through the National Housing Co-Investment Fund (NHCF), a key pillar of the National Housing Strategy, and $59,000 of SEED funding administered by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The City of London also invested over $5 million and Indwell contributed $2 million through supporter donations.
Minister Hussen said: “Our government continues to work with our partners, including the Government of Ontario, the City of London and Indwell, to find ways to create more affordable homes that meet the needs of Canadians, including right here in London.”
Peter Fragiskatos said: “As a result of today’s announcement, we are acting to meet the unique housing needs of our city so that residents of London can be safe and can continue to thrive.”
Arielle Kayabaga said: “Access to supportive housing is the key to success for many people living with visible and non-visible disabilities. This announcement will help reduce the significant barriers faced by London residents living with disabilities in accessing housings.”
Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for Ontario, said: “These 72 units will make a critical difference in the lives of London residents living with disabilities and mental health issues. I am pleased that we were able to work with partners at all levels of government to make this project a reality.”
Michael Parsa, Associate Minister of Housing for Ontario, said: “Embassy Commons is a remarkable project for stable, supportive housing for individuals with disabilities and mental health challenges. With the dedicated support of both federal and provincial governments, the City of London, Indwell, and the community, these 72 units will help those who need it most.”
Josh Morgan, Mayor of the City of London, said: “These units represent more than just housing – they represent compassion, and commitment to those in need of support. London has taken an all of community approach when it comes to dealing with issues pertaining to health and homelessness, and that’s reflected in the partnerships involved in The Embassy Commons development. Those who occupy these units will have a dignified and safe space to call home.”
Matt Feldberg, Director of Municipal Housing Development, Housing Development Corporation London, said: “These specialized, fully accessible units offer unique support services for the most vulnerable in our community, providing them with stability, hope and a root system to successfully establish themselves in their community and new home.”
Jeff Neven, CEO of Indwell, Continued on page 2 Continued from page 1
said: “With this funding from OPHI, along with additional federal, municipal, and community funding, we’ve created 72 new homes for people seeking health, wellness and belonging. When governments work together with charities and community partners, we can address homelessness with permanent a solutions.”
• The Government of Canada’s National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10-year plan that investa over $82+ billion to give more Canadians a place to call home.
•The Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI) is a program under the CMHC – Ontario Bilateral Agreement. This 10-year agreement provides more than $5.75 billion to protect, renew and expand community housing, support Ontario’s priorities related to housing repair, construction and affordability, and deliver direct support to Ontarians who need housing. OPHI provides funding to address local housing priorities and improve access to affordable housing options. The initiative helps to increase the affordable housing supply.
• The National Housing Co-Investment Fund under the National Housing Strategy supports projects that help people who need it most, including women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous peoples, people living with disabilities, mental health or addiction issues, veterans, and young adults.
