Training Skilled Workers
Creating Homeowners
Revitalizing Neighbourhoods
The Affordable Home Ownership program is a partnership between the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and the District of Sault Ste. Marie Social Services Administration Board (DSSMSSAB). The project was lauched using a one-time investment from the DSSMSSAB’s Investing in Change Fund.
The initial investment allowed Social Services to purchase homes in various states of disrepair. Students in Social Services Proprietary Building Maintenance and Construction Training Program gained in-demand skills while renovating the house alongside an experienced instructor. The homes are then sold to families living in housing, rent-geared-to-income or rent subsidized units, helping renters become homeowners and giving a family a safe home to live in.
The program is designed to simultaneously accomplish three distinct objectives:
- Assist low-income families in becoming home-owners
- Assist in reversing declining assessment growth in various areas of the city.
- Assist Ontario Works recipients in acquiring valuable hands-on-skills by renovating a home through Social Services Proprietary Building Maintenance and Construction Training Program.
To date: the Affordable Home Ownership Program has purchased, renovated and turned over ownership of three homes in Sault Ste. Marie.
Click below to view the completed homes:
London Street 1 (2021)
Brown Street (2022)
London Street 2 (2023)
The program is designed to be self-funding, the homes are sold at a price that covers the original purchase price, plus renovations. The resale price is thusly in an affordable range for a lower-income family, couple or individual. Proceeds from the sale are invested again in the next property and the process begins again.
Construction is set to begin on our next Affordable Home Ownership house (Queen Street West) in early 2024.
Click here to find out more about the Building Maintenance and Construction Program, including eligibility and contact information.
See how it all began here