The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, are today congratulating the volunteers, staff and donors of The Gathering Place on the milestone of completing construction of the Mercy House supportive and transitional living space and the O’Callaghan’s Haven emergency shelter.

Mercy House, located in the former Mercy Convent, will feature 52 supportive and transitional living spaces. These spaces provide not only a safe place to stay for those experiencing homelessness, but also provide access to individualized wrap-around supports, which is intended to help them break the cycle of homelessness and move forward with securing more stable housing.

O’Callaghan’s Haven, named after key donor and recent Order of Newfoundland and Labrador recipient Patrick O’Callaghan, will include a 40-bed emergency shelter that will replace the current 30-bed temporary shelter in The Gathering Place.

The Provincial Government provided $2 million to The Gathering Place for the expansion. This funding, in addition to $5.9 million in Rapid Housing Funding from the Federal Government and resources from other key donors including Mr. O’Callaghan, supported the renovations that will allow The Gathering Place to serve more people in St. John’s and the surrounding area.

The Provincial Government is currently providing approximately $3.5 million in operating funding to The Gathering Place. This includes an increase of $1.5 million announced in Budget 2024 to ensure it can continue to provide critical services to a vulnerable population.

Quotes
“The Gathering Place, born out of a partnership 30 years ago between the Sisters of Mercy and the Presentation Sisters, has once again expanded through critical partnerships. Our government is a proud partner to the important work of The Gathering Place, and I extend my sincere thanks to the staff and volunteers who support our most vulnerable on this momentous day.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“With this expansion, The Gathering Place will not only support those who find themselves in the emergency situation of homelessness but will also help individuals who have experienced long-term homelessness in breaking the cycle and securing more permanent housing. This change will be transformative, and I look forward to hearing success stories from Mercy House in the years to come.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions

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Budget 2024

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