A housing program in eastern Ontario is giving homeless individuals a chance at stability. The Prince Edward-Lennox and Addington Social Services (PELASS) has partnered with local landlords to provide transitional housing.
The program rents homes from private landlords, who maintain the properties, while PELASS and community agencies offer support to residents. People in the program get a private bedroom and share common spaces like the kitchen and washroom.
PELASS also works with the Prince Edward Lennox and Addington Housing Corporation, reserving one in every ten vacancies for homeless individuals. Those who succeed in transitional housing may move into permanent housing.
With homelessness rising—more than 80,000 Ontarians were homeless in 2024—PELASS says demand is high. It has 24 transitional housing rooms in Napanee and five in Picton, but spots are often full. A By Name List (BNL) tracks applicants, with 76 people currently on it.
Since 2021, the program has housed 98 people, with 41 moving into permanent homes. However, officials say a lack of affordable housing is a major challenge. With rent prices soaring past $1,200 for a one-bedroom, many struggle to afford stable housing. PELASS hopes to expand, but only if more affordable units become available.
Written by Emily Chatwood
