Today was an exciting day for two families in Paradise, as they joined Federal and Provincial Government partners for a construction site tour of their soon to be completed Habitat for Humanity homes. An investment of $170,000, equally cost-shared by the Federal and Provincial Governments through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Agreement for Investments in Affordable Housing 2011-2014, was provided for the two homes. The funding is administered through Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC).
An investment of approximately $870,000 through the Provincial Homelessness Fund will enable 10 non-profit organizations to improve services for those at risk of homelessness throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and MHA for Virginia Waters, announced the funding to recipients at the Independent Living Resource Centre in St. John’s today. Premier Dunderdale was joined by the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation.
“This government is proud to support our non-profit community partners working to combat homelessness and poverty, and the Provincial Homelessness Fund is one of the ways we provide that support,” said Premier Dunderdale. “The organizations represented here today are making a real difference in our communities, and in the lives of individuals who are at risk of homelessness.”
Since 2009, 43 grants totalling nearly $4 million have been provided through the Provincial Homelessness Fund to 33 non-profit organizations throughout the province. Under the program, registered non-profit groups can receive up to $200,000 in a given fiscal year. The funding assists with the costs of developing space for support services to provide on-site outreach, and promote housing stability for those at risk of homelessness.
“The Provincial Homelessness Fund supports the goals of the 2009 Provincial Social Housing Plan, which is aimed at helping people who are vulnerable to homelessness and poverty,” said Minister Davis. “This annual fund provides investment that supports the goals of the plan, and also our partners who are creating and maintaining housing and supportive services in communities across the province.”
As well, eligible non-profit groups may qualify for funding of up to $20,000 towards the purchase of commercial appliances including dishwashers, stoves and refrigerators. This would help groups who operate soup kitchens, food banks or similar programs. Non-profit groups who do not own the property they are proposing to renovate may be eligible for a maximum of $25,000 for renovations.
The Independent Living Resource Centre (ILRC), which received $50,000, supports people with disabilities by offering a wide range of resources including advocacy, peer support, volunteerism, networking, and adaptive technology.
“This funding will help the ILRC to improve and expand services to persons with disabilities in the province,” said Cecilia Carroll, Board Chairperson, ILRC. “The funding will allow the ILRC to leverage additional support to enhance this facility, improve accessibility, and more appropriately support programs and services for persons with disabilities.”
A list of 2012-13 Provincial Homelessness Fund recipients is provided in the attached backgrounder.
A Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador – Secure Foundations, released by the Provincial Government in August 2009, outlines a long-term vision for social housing. It is aimed at improving the housing circumstances of people with low incomes 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.
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Media contacts:
Lynn Hammond
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
lynnhammond@gov.nl.ca
Debbie Marnell
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
709-729-4304, 697-3128
debbiemarnell@gov.nl.ca
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
Wayne Penney
Executive Director
Independent Living Resource Centre
709-722-4031
waynepenney@ilrc-nl.ca
BACKGROUNDER
Provincial Home Repair Program Funding by Region
| Project | Community | Funding |
| Grace Sparkes House | Marystown | $200,000 |
| Iris Kirby House | St. John’s | $200,000 |
| Andrew’s Place | St. John’s | $200,000 |
| NL Housing and Homelessness Network | St. John’ | $50,000 |
| Gathering Place | St. John’s | $50,000 |
| Independent Living Resource Centre | St. John’s | $50,000 |
| Peter’s Foundation | St. John’s | $30,000 |
| Burin Peninsula Housing and Homelessness Committee | Marystown | $25,000 |
| St. John’s Status of Women Council | St. John’s | $$14,100 |
| Libra House | Happy Valley-Goose Bay | $50,000 |
The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and MHA for Virginia Waters, will announce the recipients of the 2012-13 Provincial Homelessness Fund today, (Thursday, November 15.) Joining the Premier will be the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation.
The event will take place 2:30 p.m. at the Independent Living Resource Centre, 4 Escasoni Place, St. John’s.
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Media contacts:
Lynn Hammond
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
lynnhammond@gov.nl.ca
Debbie Marnell
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
709-729-4304, 697-3128
debbiemarnell@gov.nl.ca
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
Social housing in Grand Falls-Windsor and Point Leamington will be upgraded this fall as renovation work continues province-wide through Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s annual Modernization and Improvement Program.
“Making enhancements to existing social housing has been a priority for this government,” said the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC). “The Modernization and Improvement Program has seen renovations to 3,500 social housing units in the last five years, with the goal of completing improvements to all NLHC units by 2017.”
Platinum Builders Ltd. has been awarded a contract valued at $136,000 to complete renovations on eight units in Grand Falls-Windsor, including the replacement of roofing and exterior doors, and the installation of new insulation, plumbing, and fixtures. Steps, decks and ramps will also be upgraded.
“This work is an excellent example of our government’s commitment to upgrading social housing throughout the province,” said Ray Hunter, MHA for Grand Falls-Windsor – Green Bay South. “The renovations in Grand Falls-Windsor will benefit families, and help to enhance these units, so that they can continue to serve the community well into the future.”
J.J. Enterprises Ltd. has been awarded a contract valued at $84,000 to renovate seven units in Point Leamington, which may include the replacement of siding, roofing, windows or doors, or the installation of new plumbing and fixtures. Steps, decks or ramps may also be upgraded as part of this work.
“Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation has been ambitious in its efforts to renovate its rental units throughout the province, and the results are impressive,” said Clayton Forsey, MHA for Exploits. “The upgrades are an important part of how we are meeting the needs of people who have low incomes or are in vulnerable circumstances.”
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
Tess Burke
Communications Manager
Government Members Office
709-729-3551, 699-2402
TessBurke@gov.nl.ca