Media Release


April 29, 2022

Provincial and Federal Governments Support Creation of more than 130 New Affordable Housing Units for Vulnerable Populations in St. John’s

Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Today, the Provincial and Federal Governments announced $20.2 million to support the construction of 132 affordable housing options in St. John’s.

The announcement was made at The Gathering Place in St. John’s by the Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador; the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion; the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change on behalf of the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation; and Joanne Thompson, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East.

The Federal Government is investing over $10.9 million under the Rapid Housing Initiative and there is over $5.3 million cost shared equally by the Federal and Provincial Governments through the federal-provincial bilateral agreement under the National Housing Strategy. The Gathering Place is also providing a $4 million contribution.

With part of this total funding, the Gathering Place will operate 56 new supportive housing units and 40 new low-barrier emergency shelter beds, which will help address the need for housing and supportive services to assist individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

The remaining funding will enable the construction of 36 new homes that will be operated by the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. This investment will expand affordable housing options for individuals and families in low-income, which includes women and women with children, seniors, Indigenous persons, youth, persons with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness.

Today’s announcement highlights the strength of working together with federal and community partners to build stronger and healthier communities.

Quotes

“We recognize that having a safe and affordable home is vital to helping individuals and families build a stable and secure future. This significant investment will allow for a very welcome expansion of supportive and affordable housing in the St. John’s area. Today’s announcement highlights the strength of working together with our federal and community partners to build stronger and healthier communities.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Access to safe and affordable housing is a key social determinant of health and underpins social and economic inclusivity. As a government, we remain committed to addressing the diverse housing needs in our province – from those at risk of or experiencing homelessness to individuals and families facing challenges with housing affordability.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

“Everyone in Canada deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. This is why, through the National Housing Strategy, we are providing a helping hand to those who are at risk of homelessness in St. John’s. This is the National Housing Strategy at work.”
Hoourable Ahmed Hussen
Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion and
Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

“Newfoundland and Labrador needs more affordable housing. Budget 2022 makes it a priority. Because around here, we look out for one another. And everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home.”
Honourable Seamus O’Regan
Minister of Labour
Member of Parliament for St. John’s South-Mount Pearl

“Thanks to today’s announcement, we are providing a chance to members of our community who are struggling. Having access to safe, supportive and affordable homes will help bring a positive change to their lives and to the community. Through this collaboration with the province, we are helping to ensure that all people in St. John’s and across our province have safe and affordable housing that enables them to thrive.”
Joanne Thompson
Member of Parliament for St. John’s East.

“Through its everyday work with people who are facing systemic and societal barriers and far too often experience exclusion and discrimination, The Gathering Place has heard the plea for more supportive and affordable housing units and for a permanent low barrier emergency shelter. This partnership announced today shows that we have truly heard the voices of the guests and other persons at risk of homelessness in our community. With a generous gift of two million dollars from Patrick O’Callaghan and Paula Bouchier, and the support of the Federal and Provincial Governments, the dream of more support for persons without safe, stable, and permanent homes is being realized.”
Sister Elizabeth Davis, RSM
Board Chair, The Gathering Place

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Learn More

 
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

National Housing Strategy

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

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Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca

Daniele Medlej
Office of the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion
Daniele.Medlej@infc.gc.ca

Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca

Media Relations
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
media@cmhc-schl.gc.ca