Minister Acknowledges NLHC’s Accomplishments for 2013

In 2013, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) continues to provide affordable and innovative social housing to families, seniors, and single adults with low incomes, as well as persons with disabilities and persons with complex needs. Along with 5,556 affordable rental units province-wide, NLHC provided 1,732 rent supplements in 2013 valued at $8 million to help people afford private landlord rents.

“NLHC has had another successful year in the delivery of our core housing programs, and the continuing upgrade of our provincial social housing portfolio. Through programs such as the Provincial Homelessness Fund and the Supportive Living Program, we have also been able to provide increased housing options throughout the province, helping to improve the quality of life for many individuals and families.”
– The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister Responsible for NLHC

NLHC’s 2013 highlights include:

  • The Affordable Housing Program provided $13.6 million to 34 non-profit and private-sector partners to create another 244 new housing units for seniors and persons with disabilities, including 71 accessible units.
  • $10-million in renovations completed or nearing completion on approximately 450 rental units province-wide, bringing to 75 per cent the ratio of units that have received exterior renovations and are in good shape.
  • The Provincial Home Repair Program provided $10.4 million comprising 2,327 grants and 392 loans to help mostly rural homeowners make renovations and repairs necessary to maintain and remain in their homes.
  • The Supportive Living Program provided $3.9 million in grants to 26 non-profit community-based projects that helped individuals with complex needs find housing and maintain long-term housing stability.
  • Reconfigurations continued, a $177,000 remodelling of a unit in St. John’s from an existing three-bedroom unit into two new units comprising a two-bedroom home and a single bedroom apartment.
  • The Home Modification Program provided $2.5 million to help 400 homeowners with low-to-moderate incomes make accessibility modifications to their homes.
  • The Provincial Homelessness Fund provided $1.2 million to help 17 non-profit groups improve services for the homeless and those at risk of homelessness.

“Moving forward in the New Year, I have great confidence that we will build on our success of the past year and work with our valued partners to continue developing solutions and options which will help provide safe and affordable homes to those most vulnerable.” 
– Minister O’Brien

QUICK FACTS

  • Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) is providing affordable social housing options to families, seniors, and single adults with low incomes, as well as persons with disabilities and persons with complex needs, throughout the province.
  • NLHC is the province’s largest landlord, with 5,556 affordable rental units province-wide.
  • Approximately 1,732 rent supplements valued at $8 million were provided in 2013 to help households afford private landlord rents, including 130 first-time supplements to the Canadian Mental Health Association and Stella Burry for persons with complex needs.
  • By the end of the current Investment in Affordable Housing Agreement, March 2014, a total of 1,117 affordable units will have been created throughout the province.
  • In the 2012-13, 16,300 households received direct assistance through NLHC’s programs and services.

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Media contacts:

John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Advanced Education and Skills
709-729-0753, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca

Jenny Bowring
Manager, Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca

Minister Announces 2013 NLHC Scholarship Recipients

Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) continues to support tenants with the awarding of its 2013 scholarship, valued at $1,000, to nine youth and three adults. Since 1987, NLHC has awarded 240 scholarships throughout the province to support tenants pursuing a post-secondary education.

“NLHC is proud to offer these scholarships, which can help students achieve their goals and enhance their opportunities in life. Congratulations to the scholarship winners and we wish them all the best in their continuing education and future pursuits.”
– The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister Responsible for NLHC

2013 NLHC Scholarship recipients are:

Youth Scholarship winners:

  • Courtney Caines, St. John’s, is a graduate of Gonzaga High attending Memorial University.
  • Thomas Crummell, Mount Pearl, is a graduate of O’Donel High School attending Memorial University.
  • Mona Shannir, St. John’s, is a graduate of Holy Heart of Mary High School attending Memorial University.
  • Katrina Stavila, Mount Pearl, is a graduate of O’Donel High School attending Memorial University.
  • Shania Caravan, Deer Lake, is a graduate of Elwood Regional High School attending Memorial University.
  • Matthew Coady, Corner Brook, is a graduate of Corner Brook Regional High School attending the University of New Brunswick.
  • Michael Joyce, Corner Brook, is a graduate of Corner Brook Regional High School attending Memorial University.
  • Keisha Samson, Corner Brook, is a graduate of Corner Brook Regional High School attending Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia.
  • Ana Velez, Corner Brook, is a graduate of Corner Brook Regional High School attending Memorial University.

Adult Scholarship winners:

  • Jessica Taylor, St. John’s, is currently attending Memorial University.
  • Kristen Milley, Grand Falls-Windsor, is currently attending at Memorial.
  • Savannah Sidle, Corner Brook, is currently attending Memorial University.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

QUICK FACTS

  • Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) has awarded its 2013 Scholarship awards to 12 tenants currently pursuing post-secondary studies. Nine youth and three adult tenants have received a scholarship valued at $1,000.
  • Youth Scholarships are awarded based on the results of the Department of Education’s scholarship score, which is derived from a student’s performance on public exams.
  • Adult Scholarships are awarded based on reviews that assess need, initiative, and community involvement.

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Media contacts:

John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Advanced Education and
Skills
709-729-0753, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca

Jenny Bowring
Manager, Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca