The project was officially opened today. Graham Letto, Mayor of Labrador City, Jim Farrell, Mayor of Wabush and Marsha Power Slade, Administrator of Hope Haven attended the opening ceremonies.

“I am very pleased to be associated with the many exciting programs and services being undertaken throughout Newfoundland and Labrador as a result of the National Homelessness Initiative, and in this case, also the Shelter Enhancement Program of our national housing agency, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation” said Lawrence O’Brien, Member of Parliament for Labrador. “The Government of Canada is proud to support this very worthwhile project that will provide emergency shelter and support services to women and their children in the Labrador West area.” he added. 

This project results in the creation of four large wheelchair accessible bedrooms with two  bathrooms, administrative offices and activity rooms; and provides women access to computer equipment, library resources, a 24-hour crisis line and other resource and referral programs. The new facility offers safe and secure shelter and support services and can accommodate up to 225 women and children annually.

Key supporters of the project also include the past and present members of the Hope Haven Board of Directors and staff, the Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOCC), the Department of Health and Community Services, the Department of Human Resources and Employment, the Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs, Wabush Mines, and many other interested individuals and groups within the community. 

“I am very pleased that NLHC has been supportive of this project and commend everyone involved for the creation of this vital new facility which provides the necessary supports for women and children,” said Gerry Kennedy. “On behalf of Minister Burke, I am pleased to share in the official opening of Hope Haven.” 

“This is a day that has been in the making for a long time,” said Graham Letto, Mayor of Labrador City.  “On behalf of Council, I want to congratulate everyone who worked hard to make this vital shelter a reality.  It is a comfort to know that we now have a suitable haven for women and children who need this support in our community.” 

"Everyone involved with this shelter should be proud of the facility that has been many years in the making,” said Jim Farrell, Mayor of Wabush. “It’s a very positive day for our community and we are pleased to share in this event recognizing the dedicated work of many individuals.” 

Marsha Power Slade of Hope Haven said the new facility will greatly benefit women and their children.  “We will be able to better serve the women of Labrador West at this new facility. I know it will be welcomed by everyone concerned, and I want to thank the past and present Board Members and staff, three levels of government, local organizations, the corporate community and individuals who supported us in this endeavour,” she said. 

A volunteer Board of Directors governs the Hope Haven and is dedicated to realizing the success of the project.  The directors bring with them a broad range of skills and expertise required to successfully oversee its completion and operation.

“This funding furthers the Government of Canada’s commitment to continue working together with community groups, such as Hope Haven, the private sector and all levels of government to find local solutions to address homelessness," stated Minister Bradshaw.

The Government of Canada launched the National Homelessness Initiative (NHI) in December 1999 to support communities’ efforts to help Canadians out of homelessness.  From 1999 to 2006, $1.5 billion is being spent towards the federal government's commitment to addressing homelessness in Canada.  More than $4 million has been accessed for homelessness projects in Newfoundland and Labrador. The NHI is working towards making a difference by using a community-based approach to help reduce homelessness. 

The Shelter Enhancement Program assists in repairing, rehabilitating and improving existing shelters for victims of family violence, as well as providing financial assistance for acquiring or building new shelters and second-stage housing.  The Proposal Development Funding is an interest-free loan to help housing proponents with the up-front expenses of developing a housing proposal. 

Funding for these projects was provided for in the 2004 federal Budget. 

 Since December 1999, communities across Canada have undertaken over 1,800 projects, funded wholly or in part by the National Homelessness Initiative. These projects will result in:

• The creation of approximately 8,000 new, permanent beds in shelters, transitional, and supportive houses; 
• The construction, renovation, and enhancement of roughly 1000 sheltering facilities and support facilities, such as food banks, soup kitchens and drop-in centres; 
• The transfer of 50 federal surplus properties worth over $9 million, which will result in the creation of 214 transitional and affordable housing units; and
• In addition to the Government of Canada investment, partnerships have leveraged over a half billion dollars towards the implementation of homelessness projects in Canada.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, some $64 million is spent each year, primarily in support of some 13,000 housing units that are occupied by lower income families, seniors, persons with disabilities, Aboriginal people, and victims of family violence.

For more information on the Government of Canada’s:

• National Homelessness Initiative, visit our Web site at www.homelessness.gc.ca 
• Shelter Enhancement Program and Proposal Development Funding, visit our Web site at www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca

Lorne Lambert                       Denis D’Amour
Government of Canada         Minister Bradshaw’s Office
(709) 772-5346                      (506) 851-3419

Marsha Slade Power               Jenny Bowering 
Hope Haven                            Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
(709) 944-7124                       (709) 724-3055
                                               E-mail:  releases@nlhc.nf.ca