The owners of Sarnia's Preferred Towing were joined by local dignitaries to celebrate the grand opening of their Lambton Supportive Transitional Housing facility Friday.
Gary and Tammy Vandenheuvel partnered with the County of Lambton to transform the former ABC Daycare on London Road into affordable housing for youth.
"The kids are really doing well, the space is great for them, we see some of them starting to grow and [they're] prospering now," Gary said. "It's nice to be able to see that starting to come through right now, as the building has been open for about three months."
The facility contains three one-bedroom and four two-bedroom units -- housing up to 11 youth.
Lambton County's Housing Services Manager Kelly Hall said the project received capital funding through Ontario's "Home For Good" program and will receive other support as well.
"Through funding from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, they will receive $980,000 in affordability payments, in exchange for providing seven affordable, transitional, youth housing units," said Hall.
She said funding is also being awarded to Rebound to provide the youth with support services.
The new facility will be known as "Ohana Landing."
Tammy Vandenheuvel said "Ohana" is a Hawaiian term which refers to a person's extended family, and "landing" represents the transition point from where you came from, to where you're going.
The Vandenheuvel's hope the $1.5 million renovation project will encourage other communities across the province to embrace non-traditional style partnerships to address youth homelessness.