A Provincial Government investment of close to $678,000 through Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s Provincial Homelessness Fund will enable nine non-profit groups throughout the province to improve services for those at risk of homelessness. The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, made the announcement today at the Choices for Youth offices on Duckworth Street in St. John’s.

“This investment shows the Provincial Government’s continued commitment to improving the well-being of our most vulnerable citizens. We are proud of the great work done by our non-profit partners throughout the province, and the positive changes made possible by the Provincial Homelessness Fund.” 
– The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

A listing of 2014-15 Provincial Homelessness Fund recipients (to date) can be viewed in the backgrounder below.

In recent years, Choices for Youth has received $400,000 in capital funding through the Provincial Homelessness Fund to upgrade the Duckworth Street offices. The Provincial Homelessness Fund’s annual $1 million budget provides registered non-profit groups with capital funding to assist with the provision of on-site and outreach services which promote housing stability for those at risk of homelessness. Since 2009, 73 grants totalling $5.8 million have been provided through the Provincial Homelessness Fund to 45 non-profit organizations, province-wide.

“At the end of the day, at Choices for Youth, this is about the young people in our community who are at-risk and homeless and want to build a better life for themselves. At Choices, we provide a system of supports to help them achieve that goal. In the past year, we’ve supported and worked with over 700 individuals at risk of homelessness. The Provincial Homelessness Fund is part of what makes that possible.”
– Sheldon Pollett, Executive Director, Choices for Youth

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 creating healthier communities.

QUICK FACTS

• A Provincial Government investment of $678,000 through Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s Provincial Homelessness Fund will enable nine non-profit groups throughout the province to improve services for those at risk of homelessness.
• Since 2009, 73 grants totalling $5.8 million have been provided through the Provincial Homelessness Fund to 45 non-profit organizations, province-wide.
• The Provincial Homelessness Fund provides registered non-profit groups capital funding to assist with developing space to provide on-site and outreach services which promote housing stability for those at risk of homelessness.
• Eligible non-profit groups that operate soup kitchens, food banks or similar programs may also qualify for funding toward the purchase of commercial appliances including dishwashers, stoves and refrigerators.

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Media contacts:

Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
709-729-0928, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca

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

Ayon Shahed
Senior Fund Developer and Communications Manager
Choices for Youth
709-682-2738
ashahed@choicesforyouth.ca

BACKGROUNDER
Provincial Homelessness Fund Recipients to Date – 2014-2015