The Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador today announced an enhancement to the Canada Housing Benefit that will provide additional housing supports for survivors of gender-based violence.

Through a joint investment of $17.12 million over five years, this enhancement will help survivors, including women, children and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, find a safe and affordable place to call home in the private rental market.

The Canada Housing Benefit for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence is expected to support over 580 individuals or householders throughout the province during the critical time of vulnerability and need experienced by those fleeing violence, experiencing homelessness or with severe core housing need. This recognizes that individuals exiting violence may be experiencing financial abuse or face barriers to accessing other types of benefits because of complex family situations.

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, and the Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, joined the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, federal Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Minister of Rural Economic Development, who made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. The ministers were also joined by Malin Enström, Executive Director of Iris Kirby House.

Since 2021, the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Benefit has helped over 550 families secure housing in the private rental market. The enhanced benefit will follow the same terms and conditions as the existing Canada Housing Benefit. While the enhanced federal funding is specifically for survivors of gender-based violence, provinces and territories will have the flexibility to use their cost-matching to support ending gender-based violence or other priorities and programs to assist this vulnerable population with direct-to-household affordability assistance.

Since 1991, NL Housing has prioritized and offered affordable housing for victims of violence, which has helped people province-wide regain control and rebuild their lives. The Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation provides over $9 million annually to support ten transition houses throughout the province, including the new and expanded Grace Sparkes House opened this year in Marystown.

Quotes
“The Federal Government has invested more than $4 billion in the Canada Housing Benefit to provide direct assistance to households in need. However, housing affordability can still be a barrier for many people experiencing violence from seeking a safe place to live, which is why we are partnering with Provinces and Territories to enhance the Housing Benefit. With this additional funding we are partnering with Newfoundland and Labrador to lend a hand to those who have experienced gender-based violence, including women, children and 2SLGBTQI+ people, find a safe and affordable place to call home.”
Honourable Sean Fraser
Federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“Everyone deserves safe and accessible housing. With this agreement, our government is making an estimated 317 households more affordable. This new funding will support families and individuals that have experienced gender-based violence by providing housing that is safe and secure. We must uplift and support those most vulnerable throughout our communities.”
Honourable Gudie Hutchings
Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Minister of Rural Economic Development, Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains

“The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Benefit has helped over 550 families secure housing in the private rental market since it was introduced in the Fall of 2021. With this new funding stream, we will be able to help even more families and individuals experiencing gender-based violence begin to rebuild their lives with dignity and security in the comfort of a new home.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Housing
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions

“Our Provincial Government continues to support those at risk of gender-based violence, highlighted by the enaction of Clare’s Law, which came into force this year, and our signing of the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence Agreement in 2023. This expansion of the Canada Housing Benefit is yet another way we are working to protect the most vulnerable in our province.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

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