Niagara sinks $6.3 million into Fort Erie housing for women, children escaping abuse

There will be 18 new supportive housing units built in Fort Erie for women and children fleeing violence and abuse.

Between federal and regional funding, the units being built on Crescent Rd, in Fort Erie will cost a total of $6,316,296.

The project, which adds to the roughly 280 supportive housing units, 15 bridge housing units and 25 permanent supportive housing units in Niagara, is a joint venture between the region, Niagara Regional Housing and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

Said Niagara-on-the-Lake Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa, also the chair of Niagara Regional Housing, “This transitional housing is an example of the true value of partnerships. By working together, women and children who have suffered will have a safe home with supports and the hope for a better future.”

The new housing will also offer on-site programming including intensive case management, community referrals and access to mental health and addiction supports.

“It is encouraging to see community and government partners working together to bring these essential housing projects to reality,” added Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley.

At this point, there is almost as many transitional housing units as there are spaces at Niagara’s women’s shelters.