(Kingston, Dec. 12, 2024) Seven people will be taking up residence at 234 Brock St. following the donation of the house to Lionhearts Inc. earlier this year. Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) has donated the building located at 234 Brock St. to Lionhearts for use as part of the Lionhearts supportive housing program.
KHSC had worked to organize the donation, over the past several years, to an organization that would embrace the vision of the Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph, the original owners of the building, and founders of Hotel Dieu Hospital. Now, after months of renovations, the house is ready to re-open with seven refreshed units.
“Our supportive housing program is one extension of our mission to eradicate hunger and homelessness, restoring home and dignity in the communities we serve,” said Travis Blackmore, Founder and CEO of Lionhearts Inc. “We’re thankful to KHSC and the City of Kingston for this opportunity to serve more of our vulnerable neighbours for years to come at 234 Brock.”
The Lionhearts supportive housing program provides participants with one private bedroom and shared amenities. These accommodations are provided at a below-market cost, offset by a contribution to individuals requiring additional support to manage day-to-day life. Participants in the program may be receiving Ontario Works payments or other support programs, and their rent is subsidized through a City of Kingston head lease program aimed at combatting homelessness.
Not counting 234 Brock St., Lionhearts’ supportive housing program currently houses 30 people at multiple sites across Kingston with a target of 50 individuals in 2025.
“At KHSC, we care for many individuals in our community who face housing insecurity, and we know that stable, safe housing is fundamental to long-term health and well-being,” said Dr. David Pichora, President and CEO of KHSC. “Lionhearts’ mission aligns perfectly with our values at KHSC, so facilitating this donation to expand supportive housing was an easy choice for us. It is another way we can work with our local partners to strengthen the supports available in our community.”
234 Brock was originally used by the Kingston Youth Shelter as part of the Sister’s mission to support the most vulnerable in our community. After the shelter moved to a new location in 2021, KHSC began the process to identify a partner in the community who could use the building for a purpose that aligned with the Sister’s original vision.
