The Provincial Government, through Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, today released an independent consultant’s report on homelessness entitled A Road Map for Ending Homelessness in Newfoundland and Labrador. The report, prepared by OrgCode Consulting Inc., included province-wide stakeholder input.

“As a government, we are committed to finding a better way to provide services to the homeless – with the ultimate goal of preventing homelessness altogether. The report recommends the adoption of a Housing First philosophy, whereby individuals in need are first provided with a safe place to live, and then provided with the supports they need to stabilize their lives. We agree with this approach. Having the security of a place to live greatly increases a person’s chances to develop self-sufficiency and an improved quality of life.”
– The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

The report offers a series of recommendations to consider, and a steering committee representing Provincial Government and community-based organizations has been established to thoroughly review those recommendations and to map out an action plan. The Committee Chair is Kate Moffatt, Executive Director, Program Delivery and Planning, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. The steering committee members are named in the backgrounder below. All have expressed an interest in working together to address homelessness in this province.

“We are looking forward to working with all community partners and the relevant government departments to review the report’s recommendations. I am confident we will be able to determine the best strategies and the most effective plan to prevent, reduce and eliminate homelessness throughout the province.”
– Shawn Skinner, Board Chair, End Homelessness St. John’s

A Road Map for Ending Homelessness in Newfoundland and Labrador includes research from other jurisdictions pertaining to the Housing First approach; how it can help to end homelessness, and how it can lead to long-term cost savings and efficiencies for governments.

“We are very pleased with the collaborative community approach the Provincial Government has taken to deal with homelessness. As a community partner, we recognize that no one entity can, or should, be responsible for ending homelessness. Together, we are stronger and can make a difference.”
– Gail Tobin, Board Chair, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing and Homelessness Network

To view the report, visit the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation website at: https://www.nlhc.nl.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/OrgCode.pdf

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government, through Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, has released an independent report on homelessness in the province.
• A Road Map for Ending Homelessness in Newfoundland and Labrador was prepared by OrgCode Consulting Inc.
• The report recommends a Housing First philosophy, whereby individuals in need are first provided with a safe place to live, and then provided with the supports they need to stabilize their lives.
• A committee of government and community-based organizations has been established to review the report’s recommendations and determine a course of action.

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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

Shawn Skinner
Chair
End Homelessness St. John’s
Skinner@nl.rogers.com Gail Tobin
Chair,
NL Housing and Homelessness Network
709-730-2696
gailtobin@iriskirbyhouse.nf.net

BACKGROUNDER

Steering Committee Members

A steering committee representing Provincial Government and community-based organizations has been established to review recommendations contained in A Road Map for Ending Homelessness in Newfoundland and Labrador, and to map out an action plan. The steering committee members are listed below.