 |
Most of the funding Ottawa Salus receives is in the form of operating grants from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Historically, the federal government through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has provided grants to reduce mortgage costs and forgivable loans for renovations through their Rental Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP). More recently, interest free forgivable loans have been made available to assist with the capital costs of housing development through all three levels of government.
Salus has also made equity contributions from its own resources (fundraising and other resources which have become available over the years), making it possible to develop housing that would not be financially viable with government funding only. This is an increasing trend in recent years as government funding programs have become less and less adequate in terms of providing housing which is affordable to Salus’ client group.
Sources of funds are as follows:
1. The government provides 81% of our total funding to cover the operating expenses of Ottawa Salus. This includes staff salaries, office expenses, staff travel, and staff education. We are required to submit an annual budget for this funding, and to return any unspent funds following a year end reconciliation. As of 2007/8, this funding flows through the Champlain Local Health Integration Network.
2. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation provided the funds for the purchase of the group home on Cooper and then the home on Crichton Street. The cost of both mortgages is written down to 2 % (section 95, formerly section 56.1). The responsibility for the grants to these homes has been transferred to the Ministry of Health. As of July 2007, the Grove Avenue Group home has been added to this portfolio with the same form of funding. For Grove Avenue, rent supplement funding from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, administered through CMHA Ottawa, will top up the mortgage subsidy funding to achieve financial viability.
3. A yearly subsidy is received from the Ministry of Health to offset the costs of the mortgage, maintenance, utilities, house insurance, and related expenses for the Fisher Avenue & Larkspur Group Homes (Provincial Portfolio).
4. An operating subsidy is also received from the City of Ottawa which covers most of the costs associated with providing a Community Development worker based at 930 Gladstone.
5. 930 Gladstone was built using an interest free, forgivable loan from the City of Ottawa to reduce ongoing mortgage costs to affordable levels. 313 Athlone was built using interest free forgivable loans, primarily from the federal government and the City of Ottawa, with a small contribution from the Province of Ontario (Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing). Loans remain interest free as long as the use of the property continues to be the provision of affordable housing for our client group. Rent supplement funding from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care tops up rental income for up to 7 units at 313 Athlone.
6. Rental income is received from all Salus tenants and is based, in almost all cases, on the shelter component of ODSP or OW, depending on the tenant’s form of income. At Fisher, rents are based on income, using regulations specific to the program under which the “bricks and mortar” were funded. At the group homes, including Fisher, there is an additional charge for costs not included in rent, such as cable, residents’ phone, and food. Except for Fisher, charges for groceries are placed in a separate bank account and do not go through Salus’ books.
7. Ottawa Salus also rents units from Ottawa Community Housing Corporation. Rent is calculated on a rent-geared-to-income basis. A surcharge is added for the cost of administrative services, as well as insurance, furniture, and appliances.
8. Donations cover the costs that are not normally covered by provincial grants and to fund new housing initiatives.
|
|
