Government Invests $34 million to Help Salvation Army Repair, Rejuvenate and Preserve Affordable Housing
November 15, 2024 – The Salvation Army and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) have agreed to a three-year project that will offer dedicated repair and renewal dollars to residential facilities across the country. The partnership includes $51 million in funding from The Salvation Army and a $34-million contribution from CMHC, the largest contribution in Canadian history, totalling a $85-million investment. The announcement took place at The Salvation Army headquarters in Toronto.
“The Salvation Army has a target of 3,400 units, with projects taking place across the country – British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Northwest Territories,” says Lieut.-Colonel John Murray, territorial secretary for communications. “This includes the rejuvenation of 600 units to increase accessibility, and a portfolio-wide target of reducing green-house gas emissions by 25 percent.”
The Salvation Army operates nearly one in five of all shelter beds across Canada. This contribution recognizes that emergency, transitional, and supportive housing solutions are a critical part of the housing spectrum.
“This exciting and historic announcement today is more than providing a bed,” says Lieut.-Colonel Murray. “It’s about hope and transformation. When an individual walk through our doors, they are welcomed into our continuum of care with wrap-around services and individualized case management support.
“As we enter this season of giving we are reminded of the generosity and kindness of Canadians, which begins with our leaders and government. We are truly grateful for all levels of government, community partners and generous donors who come together to support each other in finding find realistic and practical solutions to complex challenges more and more Canadians are facing.”
Photo: Lieut.-Colonel John Murray stands with Rachel Chernos Lin, City Councillor for Don Valley West and Her Worship Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto.
