Members of the seniors community and Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) today celebrated the official opening of 12 new affordable seniors apartments in St. John’s, through an investment of $2.3 million by the Provincial Government.
“Everyone deserves the dignity of a safe and affordable place to call home. An investment of $2.3 million shows this government’s firm commitment to provide affordable and accessible housing, and ensure social housing properties meet the future needs of people on low incomes. This latest addition provides Newfoundland and Labrador Housing with nine senior complexes in the City of St. John’s.”– The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation.
The 12 apartments include two fully accessible units, and are located on the second level of the Charter Avenue building in Pleasantville, which is a smoke-free apartment complex. Eleven of the apartments are now full, with officials seeking applicants for the second fully-accessible unit.
In addition to NLHC’s own developments, a key objective for the Provincial Government is to stimulate the development of affordable rental housing by the private, public and non-profit sectors under the Investment in Affordable Housing Agreements. Priority is placed on developing rental housing for persons with disabilities, seniors, and people who require supports to live independently in the community. This work is in keeping with A Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador – Secure Foundations, released by the Provincial Government in August 2009, which outlines a long-term vision for social housing. A copy of the social housing plan is available at www.nlhc.nl.ca/SocialHsingPlan/report.pdf.
QUICK FACTS
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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
Communications Manager
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca