CMHA Bringing Update on 14th Street Transitional Housing to Grey County Council
Grey County will review the 14th Street Transitional Housing Program’s progress, including 24-7 support services, resident transitions, and ongoing housing challenges.
Grey County Council’s Community Services Committee will receive an update on the 14th Street Transitional Housing Program this Thursday, March 6. The presentation, led by Scott McKay, Director of Client Services at the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Grey Bruce, will provide an overview of the program’s progress, successes, and challenges since opening in late 2023.
Located at 386 14th Street in Owen Sound, the 12-unit facility was created to provide stable housing and wraparound supports for individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, or substance use issues.
Residents can stay for up to four years while receiving on-site support, including case management, addiction counseling, life skills training, and peer support, with the goal of transitioning into permanent housing.
Ontario Health funding, announced in mid-2024, has enabled 24-7 mental health and addiction support at the site, reinforcing its role as a high-intensity support system for vulnerable residents.
The program has been at full capacity since opening, and in July 2024, the first graduate successfully moved into permanent Grey County housing. However, with nearly 200 names on the region’s By-Names List last year—a prioritized registry of individuals experiencing homelessness—the demand for transitional housing remains high.
Thursday’s presentation will offer insights into how the program is working, what challenges remain, and what comes next. As Grey County continues to navigate housing insecurity, this update provides an opportunity to hear more about one of the region’s key housing initiatives and its impact on the community.
McKay’s presentation is available now in the meeting agenda, if you’d like to follow along. Grey County’s Community Services Committee meets Thursday, March 6, at 2:00 p.m. in the Grey County Administration Building. You can view the full agenda here.