Through Budget 2012: People and Prosperity, the Provincial Government’s social housing plan saw the creation of 224 new housing units and the provision of more than 1,700 rent supplements. Significant progress was made in advancing A Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador – Secure Foundations, a 10-year plan aimed at improving the housing circumstances of low-income households and helping create healthier communities. By the end of 2014, the Affordable Housing Program, with a total investment of $65 million, will have created more than 1,100 new homes in partnership with non-profit community groups and the private sector.
“I am proud to say that Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s record during 2012 shows that we have made excellent gains in increasing affordable housing options and providing housing solutions for individuals and families in greatest need throughout our province,” said the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC). “Our government remains committed to providing effective and efficient programs and services that continue to address the housing needs of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Budget 2012 increased the Rent Supplement Program by $1 million, bringing the total investment to $8 million. Through this program, NLHC is able to subsidize the difference between the approved market rental rate charged by private landlords and the rent paid by the tenant. The program includes approximately 130 units to help persons with complex needs through groups such as Stella Burry Community Services, and the Canadian Mental Health Association.
In 2012, more than 1,750 homeowners with low incomes were able to make renovations and repairs to their homes with help from a $6.7 million investment through the Provincial Home Repair Program. The goal of the program is to help people with low income make necessary repairs and renovations to live comfortably in their own homes. The types of repairs that can be undertaken with a loan or grant include upgrades to heating, electrical, or plumbing systems, and renovations and retrofits to structures, foundations, windows, doors, roofing, or siding.
Through the 2012 Provincial Homelessness Fund, the Provincial Government committed $870,000 to support grants to non-profit groups to help address homelessness in their communities. Over the past three years, the fund has provided 35 grants throughout the province, totalling approximately $3 million to help groups such as the Independent Living Resource Centre in St. John’s, Libra House in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Grace Sparks House in Marystown, and the Corner Brook Status of Women Council.
“Improving a person’s housing circumstance helps to improve their life,” said Minister Davis. “I am very pleased that our housing initiatives and work with community partners and the private sector are helping to make a positive difference in our communities.”
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is the province’s largest landlord with 5,573 non-profit social housing dwellings province-wide.
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Media contacts:
Ed Moriarity
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 699-5668
edmoriarity@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Manager, Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
A major renewal of a Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) neighbourhood in Corner Brook continues as renovations on an eight-unit building near completion.
“With the completion of this project, 94 homes in Crestview Avenue neighbourhood will have been revitalized under this multi-year neighbourhood renewal,” said the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. “I am pleased to see the progress made in this neighbourhood, and am confident this work is helping to provide housing that better meets the needs of current tenants, while ensuring a reliable supply of affordable housing for the future.”
R & D Construction Ltd. will carry out the work, valued at $200,000, which includes installing new insulation, siding, windows, doors and ventilation systems. These types of building renovations support the commitments in A Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador – Secure Foundations to improve overall energy efficiency of NLHC units during renovations. It is also in keeping with the commitments evidenced through two separate, yet complementary, action plans focused on climate change and energy efficiency, Charting Our Course: Climate Change Action Plan 2011, and Moving Forward: Energy Efficiency Action Plan 2011.
“I am pleased to see this important renewal work continuing in the Crestview Avenue neighbourhood,” said Vaughn Granter, MHA for Humber West. “I am proud of the Provincial Government’s commitment to providing quality affordable housing for people with low incomes, and Crestview Avenue is a fine example of the excellent upgrades being achieved across the province.”
Since 2008, approximately $6.7 million has been invested in the Crestview Avenue neighbourhood. The substantial redevelopment also includes a $889,000 renovation and expansion of WestRock Community Centre.
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.
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Media contacts:
Ed Moriarity
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 699-5968
edmoriarity@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Manager, Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca