Improving Affordable Housing in Brantford: The Brantford-Brant Housing Stability Plan in Review

Housing stability is more than just a roof over someone’s head—it’s about community health, opportunity, and hope for the future. For many, affordable housing in Brantford is at the core of this vision. In Brantford and Brant County, the Housing Stability Plan has aimed to achieve this balance, providing affordable, accessible housing while tackling the root causes of homelessness. With the release of the Housing Stability Plan Five-Year Review, it’s time to reflect on the progress made, the challenges we still face, and what lies ahead.

A Look Back: Progress Over the Last Five Years

John Noble Apartments: Expanding Senior Housing

Since the introduction of the Brantford-Brant Housing Stability Plan, significant strides have been made to improve housing affordability and stability across the community, focusing heavily on affordable housing in Brantford. One of the standout achievements includes the development of the John Noble Apartments, a purpose-built project that adds vital units to the affordable housing inventory. This kind of development isn’t just about adding bricks and mortar—it’s about creating spaces where people can thrive.

Completed in 2018, the John Noble Apartments added 57 mixed-income units specifically designed for seniors, addressing the growing demand for affordable senior housing in the community.

Partnerships with Non-Profit Organizations

The City has actively pursued collaborations with non-profit housing providers, such as the Jaycee Brantford Non-Profit Homes Corp, to develop additional affordable housing units. A proposed subsidy of $62,500 per unit, funded from future taxes, aims to contribute to the goal of 337 units developed by non-profit organizations.

Lucy Marco Place: A New Affordable Housing Development

In October 2024, the City of Brantford celebrated the grand opening of Lucy Marco Place at 40 Queen Street. Originally purchased from Wilfrid Laurier University, this six-story building has been repurposed to provide 41 affordable housing units, including six accessible units, for individuals and families on the city’s affordable housing waitlist. Unlike emergency shelters, Lucy Marco Place offers both transitional and permanent housing solutions with embedded supports to help residents maintain stable living environments.

Acquisition of Fox Ridge Care Community: A Step Towards Expanded Shelter and Support Services

To further address urgent community needs, the City of Brantford recently purchased the Fox Ridge Care Community facility at 389 West Street. This acquisition aims to provide temporary and permanent housing options, including transitional, supportive, and affordable housing for various groups in need, such as survivors of domestic violence and those requiring rent-geared-to-income or subsidized housing. The facility is expected to play a crucial role in assisting the homeless population by offering expanded shelter and support services.

177 Colborne Street West: Modular Construction for Rapid Housing

Another significant development is the newly completed affordable housing project at 177 Colborne Street West. In June 2023, Brantford celebrated the opening of this four-story apartment building, which features 26 studio units, including eight fully accessible units, designed for individuals aged 55 and older transitioning from emergency shelters or who are under-housed. The modular construction approach expedited the building process, allowing units to be assembled on-site within just 48 hours. This innovative project demonstrates Brantford’s commitment to meeting urgent housing needs efficiently.

Another critical initiative has been the Survivors of Domestic Violence – Portable Housing Benefit Program, which provides direct financial support to those in urgent need. Through this program, survivors gain the flexibility to afford safe, stable housing—a key step in rebuilding their lives.

The Homes for Good initiative has also been a success, assisting more than 100 households in securing stable housing. These households now benefit from greater consistency and security, paving the way for long-term stability in employment, education, and well-being.

Despite these successes, there are ongoing challenges. The affordable housing waitlist continues to grow, now with over 1,700 households waiting—a number that underscores just how much demand exceeds supply. Emergency shelters are increasingly in demand, with utilization rates hovering above 90% on a regular basis. These numbers highlight the pressing need to address housing pressures head-on.

Six Key Goals for the Future of Affordable Housing in Brantford

The Housing Stability Plan has identified Six Key Goals for the upcoming years, with a commitment to building on past successes while taking aim at persistent gaps:

1. Increase Affordable Housing Options: Brantford is committed to expanding affordable housing, with a goal of adding over 500 units by 2027. This goal targets not just quantity but also diverse housing types that meet the needs of families, seniors, and individuals.
2. Support Indigenous-Led Housing Services: Working with local Indigenous organizations to support culturally appropriate housing and homelessness services is another key priority. Indigenous people represent a significant portion of those experiencing homelessness, despite being only 3% of the population. Closing this disparity is critical to an inclusive housing strategy.
3. Prevent Homelessness: Prevention is better than a cure. The plan aims to put more resources into homelessness prevention, including financial aid for rent arrears and partnerships with landlords to keep people in their homes when economic shocks happen.
4. Reduce Chronic Homelessness by 50%: Reducing chronic homelessness by half within the next three years is a bold but necessary target. The city plans to invest in housing-first initiatives, which focus on providing permanent housing as the first solution to those with long-term experiences of homelessness. Recent stats indicate that there are over 350 individuals experiencing chronic homelessness in Brantford and Brant County .
5. Address Student Housing Needs: With increasing enrollment at Laurier Brantford and other educational institutions, student housing has become an essential part of the broader housing discussion. The goal is to ensure that there are affordable and accessible options for students, especially given the rental market pressures that have arisen as student populations grow.
6. Create Collaborative Community Solutions: Collaboration remains at the heart of Brantford’s approach. By strengthening partnerships with non-profits, local businesses, and regional services, Brantford aims to create an interconnected support system that works holistically to address housing stability.

Stories of Hope and Ongoing Challenges

Community Voices have been a central part of the review process. Take, for example, Maria, a single mother who was able to move into stable housing with the help of the Portable Housing Benefit. “I didn’t know where we were going to go,” she said, “but this program gave us a chance to start over.” Maria’s story represents just one of the many lives touched by these programs.

Yet, stories like Maria’s also point to the ongoing challenges. Emergency shelters are struggling to keep up with increased demand, and there’s a rising trend of “hidden homelessness”—those who aren’t necessarily on the streets but are staying with friends, couch surfing, or in insecure housing arrangements. Estimates indicate that for every person visibly homeless, there are three others experiencing hidden homelessness.

How Can Brantford Move Forward?

To succeed, the Housing Stability Plan needs the support of the community. The next few years will require both public investment and private collaboration, from developers willing to take on affordable projects to non-profits ready to support at-risk individuals. Increasing affordable housing by 500 units is a commendable target, but it’s going to take all hands on deck to reach it. For those seeking affordable housing in Brantford, this kind of expansion could help reduce wait times and open up more opportunities for safe and stable living.

Moreover, it’s about creating not just homes, but communities—safe neighborhoods where children can play, where seniors can age comfortably, and where everyone has the opportunity to flourish. This holistic view is what makes Brantford’s Housing Stability Plan different; it’s not just about building units but about fostering stability and growth across all sectors of society.

Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable Housing in Brantford

Q: How can I apply for affordable housing in Brantford?

To apply for affordable housing in Brantford, you need to contact the Brantford Housing Services. They manage applications and provide support throughout the process. More details can be found on their official website.

Q: What is the current waitlist for affordable housing in Brantford?

As of the latest update, there are over 1,700 households waiting for affordable housing in Brantford. This waitlist continues to grow due to high demand, underscoring the need for more units to be developed.

Q: What initiatives are being taken to increase affordable housing in Brantford?

The Housing Stability Plan includes the development of new units like the John Noble Apartments and aims to add over 500 affordable housing units by 2027.

Affordable Housing in Brantford is a Community Effort

The recent initiatives—including Lucy Marco Place, the Fox Ridge Care Community, the 177 Colborne Street West development, John Noble Apartments, and the partnerships with non-profit organizations—reflect Brantford’s proactive approach to expanding affordable housing and support services. These projects, combined with the Housing Stability Plan’s six key goals, demonstrate a commitment to addressing housing needs comprehensively and inclusively.

The path forward for Brantford and Brant County’s Housing Stability Plan is challenging but full of hope. The city has made strides in housing those in need, but there is more work to be done—particularly as the affordable housing waitlist grows and new challenges emerge.

If you’re part of this community and want to be involved, whether by volunteering, investing, or simply learning more, every contribution helps. Together, we can work towards a Brantford where everyone has a place to call home—a place where housing is not a privilege but a right.