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
– 30 –
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.
| Community/Stakeholder Representatives | |
| Gail Tobin | Board Chair, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing and Homelessness Network |
| Shawn Skinner | Board Chair, End Homelessness St. John’s |
| Lisa Slaney | Past Board Chair, Rural Advisory Board |
| Dan Meades | Executive Director, Transition House Association,
Newfoundland and Labrador |
| Jade Kearley | Interagency Coordinator, Canadian Mental Health Initiative |
| Allison Rowe | Executive Director (Acting), Community Youth Network |
| Evelyn Tilley | Chair, Clarenville Community Advisory Board |
| Allison Hagerty | Parole Officer, Labrador Parole Sub-Office, Correction Services Canada |
| Michelle Kinney | Deputy Minister, Health and Social Development, Nunatsiavut Government |
| Provincial Government Representatives | |
| Roxie Wheaton | Assistant Deputy Minister, Advanced Education and Skills |
| Rick Healey | Assistant Deputy Minister, Child, Youth and Family Services |
| Karen Stone | Assistant Deputy Minister, (Policy and Planning)
Health and Community Services |
| Dean Gambin | Director, (Corrections and Community Services)
Justice and Public Safety |
| Elizabeth Day | Assistant Deputy Minister, (Community and Social Development)
Seniors, Wellness and Social Development |
| Marilyn Field | Deputy Minister, Women’s Policy Office |
| Michelle Kinney | Deputy Minister, Health and Social Development
Nunatsiavut Government |
| Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation Representatives | |
| Kate Moffatt | Executive Director, Program Delivery and Planning,
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation |
| Morley Linstead | Director, Policy, Research and Monitoring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation |
The Cavendish Crescent social housing neighbourhood in Labrador City will see $1.2 million in exterior renovations and other upgrades to 18 units this year, following the recent awarding of a contract to Goose Bay Painters Ltd.
“We are very pleased with the continued progress Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is making to modernize and improve our existing social housing properties throughout the province. These particular renovations will ensure lower-income households in the Labrador City area continue to have ongoing viable and affordable housing options, and the investment will also help to stimulate the economy and create local jobs.”
– The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
The work will include siding, window, door and roofing replacements, electrical and plumbing upgrades, and the installation of heat recovery ventilation systems in all the units. The work is expected to be completed in November 2015.
In 2014-15, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is investing $10 million to renovate another 450 social housing units throughout the province.
QUICK FACTS
– 30 –
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
Communications Manager
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Coastal Building Products and Services Ltd. has been awarded a $567,000 contract to provide exterior renovations on two social housing buildings on Empire Avenue and Hoyles Avenue in St. John’s.
“This project represents another important investment by our government to maintain and sustain the availability of safe and affordable social housing; to improve the housing circumstances of low-income households, and to create healthier communities, province-wide.”
– The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
The work will include siding, window, door and roofing replacements, as well as electrical, plumbing and ventilation system upgrades for the 16 units contained in the two buildings. The anticipated completion date for this project is January 2016.
In 2014-15, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is investing $10 million to renovate another 450 social housing homes throughout the province.
QUICK FACTS
– 30 –
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
Communications Manager
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca