Joan's Place receives $8M in funding to support housing project for young mothers at risk
The new building with 35 affordable units is expected to be completed by fall 2024
An additional $8 million in funding was announced by all three levels of government on Friday to support the construction of Joan's Place in downtown London.
The project by Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) will provide 35 affordable housing units at the corner of Richmond and York Streets to support young mothers and pregnant women who are at risk of homelessness.
"For seven years, Joan's Place has been under development," said Steve Cordes, the CEO of YOU in a statement. "The focus groups, community input, generous donations, and funding from each level of government have come together to create a unique model of care that will include deeply affordable supportive housing, and a wide range of programming that will not only help youth and young families find a home but will also help them find paths into abundant, safe and enriching futures."
The federal government is giving $4 million through the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, $3.9 million is coming from the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative, while $85,745 was announced from the City of London. YOU had already secured $11 million for the project before Friday's announcement, including $1 million from the family of Joan Smith, for whom the building is named.
The building at 329 Richmond Street was acquired by YOU in 2017. Once completed, Joan's Place will also house a Youth Wellness Hub, which will provide young people with supports for housing, employment, training and education.
The five-storey building is also being constructed with a focus on environmental sustainability, incorporating increased insulation, LED lighting and durable materials that are expected to achieve a 55 per cent decrease in energy use and a 73 per cent decrease in emissions.
YOU has been helping youth in London and Middlesex County since 1982, providing basic needs, housing and access to health care, along with education and employment supports.
Construction on Joan's Place is expected to be completed by the fall of 2024.
