The Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is providing $200,000 toward the construction of the new Libra House crisis shelter for women and children in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC), took part in an official sod-turning for the new facility today.
“Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is proud to be a supporting partner with Libra House on this project,” said Minister Hedderson. “One of the greatest issues facing victims of family violence is finding a safe and affordable place to live. This contribution in an investment in the community, and will help Libra House to enhance the services they currently provide to women and children who find themselves in vulnerable circumstances.”
Since 1985, Libra House has provided temporary safe shelter and supports for women and children throughout Labrador who have experienced violence or abuse. Libra House offers 24-hour service, seven days a week, and also operates a 24-hour crisis phone line.
“As a government, we are deeply committed to preventing violence against women, children and all vulnerable populations in Newfoundland and Labrador through our Violence Prevention Initiative,” said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and lead Minister for the Violence Prevention Initiative. “All women and children deserve to live in safe homes and communities without fear of violence. I applaud Libra House for the important work they do to support women and children so that they may live free from violence and abuse.”
“This new construction is a tremendous asset to our community,” said Keith Russell, MHA for Lake Melville. “The staff of this valuable facility have been providing a high level of service for many years, and I applaud the efforts of Libra House in this new endeavour.”
As a partner of the Provincial Government’s $12 million Violence Prevention Initiative, NLHC recognizes that a lack of appropriate or available permanent shelter may often prevent families from escaping an abusive environment. Since 1991, NLHC has also offered alternative housing for victims of family violence and has helped more than 1,500 families province-wide regain control and rebuild their lives.
“The staff and board of Libra House are extremely excited about this new project,” said Janet O’Donnell, Executive Director of Libra House. “It will provide us with a space that is secure and accessible for women and their children who are seeking safe refuge from relationship violence. We are grateful to NLHC for their ongoing support over the years and for their support of this project in particular.”
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.
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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 |
Tracey Boland Communications Specialist Women’s Policy Office 709-729-6225, 693-7938 traceyboland@gov.nl.ca |
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Jenny Bowring Manager, Communications Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation 709-724-3055 jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca |
Janet O’Donnell Executive Director, Libra House Happy Valley-Goose Bay (709) 896-8022 librahouse@nf.aibn.com |
The Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC), will attend the sod-turning for the construction of Libra House women’s shelter in Happy Valley-Goose Bay tomorrow (Friday, September 21) at 11:00 a.m. Minister Hedderson will be joined by Keith Russell, MHA for Lake Melville, and Len Simms, NLHC Chairman and CEO.
The building lot is located at 11-13 Lethbridge Street Extension (at the corner of Churchill Street and Lethbridge Street).
Please note this event will take place outdoors and appropriate footwear is advised.
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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 attend the Choices for Youth unveiling of its newly renovated commercial kitchen today (Monday, September 17). Minister Hedderson will be joined by Len Simms, Chairman and CEO of NLHC.
The event takes place at 2:00 p.m. at the Choices for Youth, Youth Services Centre, 12-16 Carter’s Hill Place, St. John’s.
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Media contact:
Jason Card
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 699-0470
jasoncard@gov.nl.ca
Strive Grow Change is the theme of the 27th Annual Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) Tenant Conference, being held in Gander today and tomorrow (September 14 and 15). More than 100 social housing tenants will be in attendance as representatives from 38 volunteer associations from across the province.
“The annual conference is an excellent opportunity to hear ideas and suggestions from tenants, which helps direct us in neighbourhood improvements and the continued success of our provincial social housing plan,” said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. “This event also recognizes the years of service and contributions of groups that have been working hard to create positive change in their neighbourhoods and communities.”
Tenant associations include people of all ages who come together to organize community events and support causes in their neighbourhoods and communities. Celebrating their 25th anniversaries are: Buckmaster’s Circle Tenant Association in St. John’s; United Neighbourhood Tenant Association, representing Brophy Place neighbourhood in St. John’s; and the Community Togetherness Tenant Association in Marystown. Forsey Place Tenant Association in Mount Pearl is celebrating its 15th anniversary, while A.C.E. Tenant Association in Bishop’s Falls is cerebrating its 10th anniversary.
In addition, Virginia Park Community Centre in St. John’s is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
“Virginia Park Community Centre has seen tremendous growth and achieved much over the past 25 years,” said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and MHA for Virginia Waters. “The staff, volunteers, and tenant users have worked in close collaboration to offer valuable programs and services that help people build their strengths and pursue new opportunities.”
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
Lynn Hammond
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
lynnhammond@gov.nl.ca
Milly Brown
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
709-729-4304, 631-8477
millybrown@gov.nl.ca