The ground has been broken on another new supportive housing development in Guelph. Approved last summer by council, the Shelldale Cres. project sponsored by Kindle Communities and SkyDev, a subsidiary of Skyline developers, has begun construction after a well-attended ground breaking on Wednesday that also delivered tremendous funding for the project from a variety of sources.

Along with the symbolic act of putting a shovel in the dirt and turning it over, multiple governments and local organizations brought a combined $7 million in funding to the project including $2.5 million through the National Housing Co-Investment Fund from the Government of Canada, $2 million from the City of Guelph and County of Wellington, and $2 million from the United Way Guelph-Wellington-Dufferin.

“Our Government is dedicated to helping those in need, which is why we are proud to have invested in this project, offering families and people in crisis safe and affordable housing in Guelph,” said Guelph MP Lloyd Longfield in a statement. “When people have a secure and stable home, they gain the confidence they need to succeed and fulfill their potential.”

“This is a huge moment for Guelph. It’s a moment that was made possible by collaboration and partnership between all levels of government, private business, not for profit organizations, and community fundraising,” said Mayor Cam Guthrie. “Together, we’re building not just housing, but a community where everyone is supported and everyone belongs.”

“The County of Wellington is committed to ending homelessness in Guelph-Wellington,” added County of Wellington Warden, Kelly Linton. “We are incredibly fortunate to be working with strong partners federally, provincially and locally to create 32 units of housing for people currently at risk of or experiencing chronic homelessness.”

“Today’s announcement is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when all levels of government and community partners come together to address critical needs in our communities,” said David Anderson, Wellington County’s Social Services Committee Chair. “This new supportive housing building will offer people experiencing homelessness a safe and affordable place to call home.”

“This announcement is amazing and reinforces the urgency of this issue in our community,” said Glenna Banda, executive director of the United Way. “We know that permanent supportive housing is an essential strategy to address homelessness, and we are confident that with this investment and the support of generous community members, businesses and groups supporting the Home for Good campaign, we can solve chronic homelessness in Guelph and Wellington County.”

“This project is an incredible example of the collective impact we can make when diverse community partners work together,” added Daria Allan-Ebron, the CEO of Kindle Communities. “We are thrilled to work with healthcare providers, a private local company, and our government partners at all levels to create supported homes for 32 Guelph community members.”

The supportive housing project at 10 Shelldale Crescent  will provide 32 units of supportive housing for people experiencing either homelessness or housing insecurity, while also offering wrap-around health and social services support with staff on-hand 24 hours a day and seven days per week. This is one of three new supportive housing projects approved by the City of Guelph in the last few years, plus an expansion of Wyndham House.

Each of the 32 units at Kindle will be self-contained bachelor apartments, each complete with a private bath and kitchenette, and the building will also have an elevator and shared laundry facilities. The available supports will be provided by Guelph Community Health Centre and their partners, who will tailor individual support teams to meet residents’ needs.

The project is expected to be completed and ready to receive people in Spring 2023.