The Salvation Army Wiseman Centre in St. John’s officially opened its first emergency shelter units for women today. The new women’s wing was made possible through a $165,000 investment from Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s Provincial Homelessness Fund.
“The Provincial Government is committed to preventing and alleviating homelessness with the support of our many outstanding community partners such as The Salvation Army,” said the Honorable Tom Hedderson, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. “I applaud this new form of support that The Salvation Army has created in this community, as it will certainly make a positive difference for women in vulnerable circumstances.”
The Wiseman Centre is a 30-bed facility with 10 supportive housing units and 20 short-term emergency shelter beds, including the four new units now reserved for women.
“As a government we are proud to support the expansion of The Salvation Army Wiseman Centre in order to meet the needs of women in vulnerable circumstances, including women with complex needs,” said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. “These new accommodations will provide a safe, supportive and welcoming living environment for women on the road to independence.”
Over the past three years, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s Provincial Homelessness Fund has provided 33 grants totalling nearly $3 million to 23 non-profit organizations throughout the province. Registered non-profit groups can receive funding to assist with the capital costs associated with developing supportive services space, which enhances their ability to provide on-site and outreach services for people at risk of homelessness.
“This new initiative is indicative of the desire of The Salvation Army to be relevant and responsive to changing dynamics in the community,” said Lieutenant Colonel Wayne Pritchett, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army, Newfoundland and Labrador. “We are always willing to partner with government and other community partners in our efforts to meet human needs.”
Through the Provincial Homelessness Fund, non-profit groups may also qualify for funding of up to $20,000 towards the purchase of commercial appliances including dishwashers, stoves and refrigerators. This funding would typically be used by groups operating soup kitchens, food banks, or similar programs. Non-profit groups who do not own the property they are proposing to renovate may also be eligible for a maximum of $25,000 for renovations.
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.
– 30 –
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
Jenny Bowring
Manager, Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Major Wade Budgell
Divisional Secretary for
Public Relations and Development
The Salvation Army
Newfoundland and Labrador Division
709-726-2273, 727-9356
Wade_Budgell@can.salvationarmy.org
The Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, will deliver remarks at the official opening of the women’s wing in the Salvation Army Wiseman Centre tomorrow (Friday, October 19).
The event will take place 10:30 a.m. at the Wiseman Centre, 714 Water Street, St. John’s.
– 30 –
Media contact:
Jason Card
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 699-0470
jasoncard@gov.nl.ca
Libra House in Happy Valley-Goose Bay is closer to its fundraising goal to cover the cost of playground equipment, paving, and landscaping for a new women’s shelter, thanks to a $50,000 contribution from the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC).
“We are very happy to help Libra House kick-start this fundraiser,” said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister responsible for NLHC. “It was just a few weeks ago that we celebrated with them at the official sod-turning for the new shelter, and we hope this additional investment will help make this facility more comfortable for women and children in vulnerable circumstances.”
Libra House recently launched a fundraising campaign to raise $100,000 to provide for paving, landscaping, and a playground area for children at the new six-room shelter, currently under construction in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
“Our government is pleased to contribute additional funds to Libra House through the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation so that women experiencing violence and abuse will have access to a safe and welcoming living environment for themselves and their children,” said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and lead Minister for the Violence Prevention Initiative. “For those women who avail of the shelter as they flee violent situations, having access to facilities such as a play area for children will be invaluable.”
Through the Violence Prevention Initiative, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to finding long-term solutions to violence against the people who are most at risk in society, including women, children and youth. NLHC supports this goal through its victims of family violence policy, and since 1991 has helped more than 1,500 families province-wide regain control and rebuild their lives by providing safe and affordable housing options.
“This landscaping and playground project is an important one for the community and so I was pleased to give it my full support,” said Keith Russell, MHA for Lake Melville. “Libra House is an important resource, and the work done by staff and volunteers is making a difference for families, and making our neighbourhoods more supportive places to live.”
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 this crisis support on a 24-hour-a-day basis.
“We are extremely grateful to the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation for this investment of $50,000,” said Janet O’Donnell, Executive Director of Libra House. “Their support enables us to continue our work, provide support, and help keep women and children safe and on the road to social and economic advancement.”
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.
– 30 –
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
Jenny Bowring
Manager, Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Tess Burke
Communications Manager
Government Members Office
709-729-3551, 699-2402
TessBurke@gov.nl.ca
Janet O’Donnell
Executive Director, Libra House
Happy Valley-Goose Bay
(709) 896-8022
librahouse@nf.aibn.com
The WestRock Community Centre, formerly Dunfield Park Community Centre, has celebrated its official reopening following an $889,000 refurbishment by Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC.) The Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister Responsible for NLHC, joined the centre’s board of directors, staff, volunteers, and supporters at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Corner Brook today.
“This newly renovated centre is a very important component of the overall Crestview Avenue neighbourhood revitalization which has seen approximately $6.7 million in investments for building renovations and upgrades since 2008,” said Minister Hedderson. “On behalf of everyone at Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, I extend congratulations to the WestRock Community Centre. I have every confidence this enhanced centre will remain the heart of the community for many years to come.”
The WestRock Community Centre is one of eight community centres, supported by NLHC. Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation also supports 10 affiliated neighbourhood centres, and 38 neighbourhood associations throughout the province.
“The staff and board of directors should be very proud of what they have accomplished here,” said Vaughn Granter, MHA for Humber West. “This wonderful new facility will help them continue their valuable work providing programs for tenant families and area residents.”
The centre offers programs such as After School Drop-in, Homework Haven, Computer Program, Kids Eat Smart, Adult Basic Education, Skills Links, and a variety of sports and recreational activities.
“On behalf of our board of directors, staff, tenants, and the many residents of Corner Brook who count on our centre for direction and support in the pursuit of a better quality of life, we are delighted that you have come to celebrate your new community centre and take in all that is yours to enjoy,” said Ben Fitzgerald, WestRock Community Centre’s Executive Director. “A special thanks to the Provincial Government, NLHC CEO Len Simms, Karen Moores, NLHC’s Community Development Manager, and all NLHC staff for supporting our vision and helping us bring enhanced employment, education, health, recreation and social programs and services to area tenants and neighbours.”
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.
NLHC 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
Tess Burke
Communications
Government Members Office
709-729-3551
tessburke@gov.nl.ca
Ben Fitzgerald
Executive Director
WestRock Community Centre
(709) 634-4077
director@dpcc.nf.net