More than $3 million was invested by the Provincial Government in Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s (NLHC) Home Modification Program this year to help nearly 500 homeowners with low-to-moderate incomes make accessibility modifications to their homes.
“This annual program helps seniors and persons with disabilities afford the modifications they need to make their living spaces more manageable and comfortable,” said Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister Responsible for NLHC. “There are many ways to enhance the accessibility of a home, and the Home Modification Program is designed to provide people the opportunity to address accessibility needs, which in turn enables people to continue living in their own homes.”
The average Home Modification Program user is approximately 68 years of age, has a household income of approximately $18,200, and lives in a 47-year-old house. The types of projects that can be undertaken with a Home Modification Program loan or grant include ramp installations, interior chair lifts, widening of doorways and halls, kitchen and bathroom alterations such as lowering kitchen counters, and the installation of walk-in showers.
This investment of more than $3 million in the Home Modification Program directly supports the goals of the Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador – Secure Foundations, released by the Provincial Government in August 2009, which includes supporting home modifications to address the accessibility needs of seniors and persons with disabilities.
The Home Modification Program is an initiative which complements the provincial strategy for the inclusion of persons with disabilities, Access. Inclusion. Equality., released in April 2012. This strategy provides guidance to departments and agencies across the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and is designed to bring about substantive change within policies, services, programs and attitudes.
Applications for the next year of the program can be downloaded from www.nlhc.nl.ca , and are also available at NLHC regional offices.
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Media contacts:
Jason Card
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 699-0470
jasoncard@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Communications Manager
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
BACKGROUNDER
Home Modification Program Allocations for 2011-12 by NLHC Regional Office area
| Region Office | Number of Homeowners | Total |
| Avalon | 152 | $929,127 |
| Marystown | 30 | $182,772 |
| Goose Bay | 11 | $70,902 |
| Gander | 53 | $369,133 |
| Grand Falls | 113 | $688,798 |
| Corner Brook | 63 | $349,666 |
| Stephenville | 69 | $455,488 |
| All Regions | 491 | $3,045,886 |
Affordable housing continues to be a priority for the Provincial Government, as demonstrated by a recent investment in renovations valued at $600,000 for social housing units at Wigmore Court in St. John’s. Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) is expanding on significant work completed in the area over the last three years with modifications to 20 units that include siding, window, door, step, deck and ramp replacements.
“The Provincial Government’s continued investment in this neighbourhood is modernizing these homes, which in turn enhances the well-being of tenants for years to come,” said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister Responsible for NHLC. “Much work has already been done, including a remarkable makeover to the 50-unit apartment building for seniors, and we hope to complete renovations to all homes in the neighbourhood over the next two years.”
The work on the 20-unit project is being done by NLHC staff and is expected to be completed in spring 2013.
A Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador – Secure Foundations, released by the Provincial Government in August 2009, outlines a 10-year vision for social housing. It is aimed at improving the housing circumstances of low-income households and helping create healthier communities. Budget 2012: People and Prosperity allocated $25.9 million for social housing infrastructure, including $10.4 million for maintenance and $12 million for renovations and improvements.
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is the province’s largest landlord with approximately 5,573 non-profit social housing dwellings province-wide.
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Media contacts:
Jason Card
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 699-0470
jasoncard@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Manager, Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
The Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC), will address attendees at the one-year anniversary celebration for Habitat for Humanity Newfoundland and Labrador Inc.’s ReStore location. The event will take place at 6 Robin Hood Bay Road in St. John’s at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow (Friday, August 10).
Donations of quality new and used building materials, furniture, appliances and other goods are accepted from individuals and businesses and sold at the ReStore to fund home constructions. NLHC has been a proud partner of Habitat for Humanity NL since 1994.
– 30 –
Media contacts:
Jason Card
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
729-3015, 699-0470
jasoncard@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Manager, Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) affordable housing units on St. Teresa’s Court in St. John’s will get a fresh look as Xtreme Renos & Construction Ltd. has been awarded a contract valued at $194,000 to proceed with significant renovations.
“I am very pleased with the progress we are making throughout the province with respect to upgrading our affordable housing units,” said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister Responsible for NLHC. “This work is a high priority for this government because it maintains the quality of the units for years to come and makes them more comfortable and efficient for the tenants who call them home.”
The exterior work will include brick removal and new siding installation, as well as window, door, and roof replacements on two units. The interior work will involve the installation of new bathroom fixtures, kitchen cabinets, fans, ventilation systems, and new insulation that will increase energy efficiency. The anticipated completion date for this project is January 2013.
A Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador – Secure Foundations, released by the Provincial Government in August 2009, outlines a 10-year vision for social housing. It is aimed at improving the housing circumstances of low-income households and helping create healthier communities. Budget 2012: People and Prosperity allocated $25.9 million for social housing infrastructure, including $10.4 million for maintenance and $12 million for renovations and improvements.
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is the province’s largest landlord with approximately 5,573 non-profit social housing dwellings province-wide.
– 30 –
Media contacts:
Jason Card
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 699-0470
jasoncard@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Manager, Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing
Corporation 709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca