A new housing project for LGBTQ+ youth broke ground on Wednesday in Toronto thanks to a partnership between the municipal government and the YMCA.
The YMCA of Greater Toronto and the City of Toronto will build a six-storey development on the site of the Wagner Green YMCA emergency shelter near Queen Street West and Spadina Avenue.
The project, which was supported by the federal government's Rapid Housing Initiative, will create 31 affordable rental homes for LGBTQ+ youth who are at risk of or already are experiencing homelessness.
Each tenant will have a private studio apartment with a kitchenette and bathroom, the YMCA said in a news release.
The units will be offered as rent-geared-to-income homes, meaning no tenant will pay more than 30 per cent of their income, or the shelter allowance, on rent.
The YMCA's existing emergency shelter and drop-in centre is already a place where unhoused youth can find a hot meal and a safe place to sleep.
The site also provides access to wrap-around supports that help at-risk youth return to school, find work and, ultimately, live independently in safe housing on their own, according to the YMCA.
Risk of homelessness for LGBTQ+ youth
It’s estimated that almost one in three young people experiencing homelessness in Canada identifies as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, according to Lesley Davidson, the president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Toronto.
“We are thrilled to help address this inequity with the City of Toronto and the Government of Canada by providing young people with supportive housing, ultimately helping them achieve their full potential,” Davidson said.
Since LGBTQ+ youth face a disproportionate risk of homelessness, it's crucial to provide resources and supports to help them overcome barriers to housing, said Lisa Hepfner, the parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth.
Mayor Olivia Chow also celebrated the new housing development.
“Everyone deserves a place to call home so we are creating 65,000 rent-controlled homes for Torontonians who need it most," Chow said.
The federal government's Rapid Housing Initiative is delivered by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation under the national housing strategy.
“With a common goal and vision for a more inclusive city, we are working across government and with non-profits to build a kinder, more caring city,” Chow added.
Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik called the YMCA is "an incredible partner" in supporting youth through its shelter and drop-in centre in the downtown core.
“I am excited to see this project advance in the coming months to provide more affordable housing for young people who call Spadina-Fort York home,” Malik said.
