This Expression of Interest (EOI) is being issued by Niagara Region Community Services (the Region) to identify non-profit supportive housing providers that are interested in growing their operations by means of creating net new fixed supportive housing units aimed at measurably reducing homelessness. Specifically, this EOI is tailored towards non-profit supportive housing providers, or any other charities or non-profit agencies that are near or have achieved shovel-readiness to construct supportive or highly supportive housing units. Eligible entities must be able to provide detailed capital and operating budgets, including any identified gaps and funding needs that impact financial viability.

This EOI will support the Region in its role as the Homelessness Service Manager to:

1. Identify non-profit supportive or highly supportive housing projects in Niagara that are nearing construction phase and are in need support (such as project funding and/or financing) to proceed with construction.
2. Maintain its existing Project List of shovel-ready non-profit supportive or highly supportive housing projects and to ensure its accuracy in regards project progress and needs. 
3. Provide support to Project List entities by identifying relevant Federal, Provincial, or other funding programs and opportunities, and supporting with applications when possible.

The Region intends to issue a similar EOI on an annual basis to maintain an up-to-date Project List and to improve its ability to support non-profit supportive housing development projects as they near construction. Potential information and support being offered by the Region through this EOI process will be dependent on the status of projects submitted for review and on current and future funding program opportunities and requirements.

The Region is aware that Federal and Provincial funding program timelines for application submission and deliverables are often challenging and of short notice. A major goal of this EOI process is for the Region to be able to help local projects prepare for and access future opportunities as they become available. This will be achieved through ongoing information gathering and knowledge sharing.