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Black Canadians to benefit from new $50M federal housing fund

Non-profit groups catering to housing for Black Canadians can now tap into a $50-million fund.
Hogan's Alley
Hogan's Alley Society members at a community space in Vancouver.

The federal government is aiming to expand housing dedicated for Black-Canadian households by creating a $50-million fund.

Black-led organizations can apply for funding of their affordable housing projects through the National Housing Strategy's National Housing Co-Investment Fund (NHCF), according to the government.

The funding will provide contributions of up to 40% for project costs to build affordable rental housing that will benefit Black Canadians, government stated June 24.

The new funds are in addition to $40 million nationwide to support homeownership for Black families, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity.

“We have heard loud and clear from Black Canadian communities that more support was needed in the housing sector, and that is why we are making this unique investment through the NHCF for Black-led projects and projects serving Black Canadians. This is the National Housing Strategy at work,” said Ahmed Hussen, minister of housing and diversity and inclusion.

One B.C. example of Black-led housing initiatives is Vancouver’s Hogan’s Alley Society, the first Black social housing operator.

As of this month, it now operates a 52-unit temporary modular housing building on Union Street, in partnership with the Portland Hotel Society.

gwood@glaciermedia.ca