November 2024 - Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

Provincial Government Recognizes National Housing Day 2024

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, joins all levels of government throughout Canada in recognizing today (November 22) as National Housing Day.

To help address housing and homelessness, and ultimately the well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, the Provincial Government is working closely with community partners and other levels of government. Examples of some of the work underway include:

Provincially owned homes

Funding for more than 100 new homes in Corner Brook, Central Newfoundland, and Labrador West through Budget 2024.
Completed construction of eight homes in St. John’s and 16 homes in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
Construction is underway on 32 homes in St. John’s, while pre-development work is ongoing for a 40-unit apartment building in St. John’s.
Refurbished more than 200 provincially owned homes in 2024-25 through an increased budget for repairs and renovations.
Modernizing and upgrading more than 850 provincially owned homes over three years in partnership with the Federal Government.

Incentivizing community and private sector housing development

Community and private sector projects under the Affordable Rental Housing Program will create approximately 850 affordable rental units.
Under the Provincial Government’s Five-Point Plan, private sector partners will construct an estimated 450 new rental units through the Rental Housing Development Loan Program.
The Five-Point Plan also made Provincial Government-owned land available in St. John’s, with five projects conditionally approved to construct an estimated 300 new rental units.
Introduced the Community Housing Growth Fund in partnership with the national Community Housing Transformation Centre, which supports community affordable housing projects with funding for planning and pre-development work.

Community partnerships

Partnered with End Homelessness St. John’s on Horizons at 106, a transitional living program which is currently serving close to 60 individuals and has helped an additional seven individuals successfully move into more stable housing.
Partnered with The Gathering Place on Mercy House and O’Callaghan’s Haven, an expansion that will see 90 individuals receive emergency shelter, transitional and supportive housing supports.
Partnered with the Central Residential Services Board to create a Transitional Housing Initiative in Gander.
Released shelter standards, developed after extensive consultations with community partners, and will undertake implementation in consultation with these same partners.

Affordability

271 families have been approved for loans under the First-Time Home-Buyers Program, with 168 already purchasing homes.
A Secondary and Basement Suites Incentive has been launched to provide homeowners with a forgivable loan for the construction of affordable rental units within their home.
Partnered with Federal Government to expand the Canada-Newfoundland Housing Benefit, providing housing supports for survivors of gender-based violence. This expansion is expected to support over 580 individuals or households over five years.

Every year, November 22 is National Housing Day – a day dedicated to raising awareness about housing and homelessness throughout Canada. National Housing Day calls on the entire housing sector – including governments, financial organizations, developers, communities, and Indigenous and other partners – to work together to develop impactful solutions and ensure that every Canadian has a safe and affordable home.

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“Our government recognizes that there isn’t one single approach that can address our current housing challenges. In partnership with other levels of government, and community and private sector partners, we’ve actioned a diverse range of initiatives. On this National Housing Day, we reflect on our progress while recognizing that we must maintain this momentum to improve access to safe and affordable housing for all.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions

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Learn more
16 New Affordable Rental Homes Coming to Happy Valley Goose Bay

Provincial Government Issues RFP to Build 50 New Homes in Corner Brook

Contracts Awarded to Construct New Homes in Labrador West

Funding Approved for Three Projects Through Newfoundland and Labrador Community Housing Growth Fund

Five-Point Plan Supporting Families in Securing First Home, Promoting Creation of Hundreds of Affordable Rental Housing Builds

Federal-Provincial Partnership Will Provide Rent Support for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence

Provincial Government Investing in Transitional Housing Initiative in Gander

Provincial Government Releases Shelter Standards

Provincial Government to Partner with End Homelessness St. John’s to Operate the Transitional Supportive Living Initiative

Federal and Provincial Governments Sign Agreement to Support Modernization of NLHC Homes

Eight New Homes in St. John’s Highlight Continued Progress on Affordable Housing Development in Newfoundland and Labrador

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Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Announces its 2024 Scholarship Winners

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, is today announcing the recipients of Newfoundland and Labrador Housing’s 2024 Scholarships for tenants currently pursuing post-secondary studies.

Every year, NL Housing awards thousands of dollars in scholarships to high school graduates and to mature students who are pursuing a post-secondary education. To qualify, recipients or their legal guardians must be living in an NL Housing rental unit or in one subsidized by NL Housing.

This year there are 15 recipients, including six youth scholarship recipients and nine adult scholarship winners. Recipients are studying in various post-secondary disciplines, including commerce and nursing. Notably, three siblings from one home in Labrador City are pursuing an education in either of engineering, electrical studies, and the visual arts.

NLHC Youth Scholarship recipients include:

Rovic Cinco of Labrador City is a graduate of Menihek High School attending College of the North Atlantic.
Ethan Gillard of Twillingate is a graduate of J.M. Olds Collegiate and is attending College of the North Atlantic.
Yasmin Alsherif of St. John’s is a graduate of Holy Heart of Mary High School and is attending Memorial University.
Abaigeal Marsh of Bishop’s Falls is a graduate of Botwood Collegiate and is now attending Memorial University.
Krista Snow of Mount Pearl is a graduate of O’Donel High School and is attending Memorial University.

Here are the NLHC Adult Scholarship winners:

Ron Cinco of Labrador City is attending Memorial University.
Ethan Clarke of Whitbourne is attending the Canadian Training Institute.
Dakota Butler of St. John’s is attending Memorial University.
Ashley Delaney of St. John’s is attending College of the North Atlantic.
Mason Saunders of Labrador City is attending Algonquin College in Ontario.
Ruth Cinco of Labrador City is attending College of the North Atlantic.
Brandi Haynes of St. John’s is attending College of the North Atlantic.

Three recipients requested not to have their name shared publicly. Each scholarship is valued at $1,000.

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“Post-secondary education is a noble pursuit, and one that sets individuals on a path for a secure and prosperous future. I am pleased to congratulate the 15 recipients of these scholarships, and I wish them all success in their studies.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions

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16 New Affordable Rental Homes Coming to Happy Valley Goose Bay

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Canada and the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay today announced the official opening of 16 new affordable homes in the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. These homes, built through a federal investment of $5 million through the third phase of the Rapid Housing Initiative, are owned and operated as part of NL Housing’s rental housing portfolio, welcoming tenants in November and December 2024.

The announcement was made by Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, alongside the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, and His Worship George Andrews, Mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

The 16 homes are located in four fourplex-style buildings on Brett Street and Lethbridge Street. Four of the homes are two-bedroom units while the other 12 are one-bedroom units, the areas of greatest demand.

Two of the ground level-units are fully wheelchair accessible, while the other six ground level units are visitable, with wider doors and no step entry. All 16 homes were built with universal design features, including widened exterior and interior doors and hallways and lever-type door handles and faucets. Energy efficiency is also a key element in the design and construction of the buildings.

Tenants will come from NL Housing’s existing prioritized waitlist, and rents will be geared-to-income at 25 per cent of the household’s net income. Tenants will also receive a heating subsidy.

Quotes
“We are pleased to officially open these new homes in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, which will support 16 individuals or families in need of affordable housing. Our government remains an open and willing partner with both the Federal Government and municipal governments looking to expand affordable housing throughout our province.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Housing
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions

“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. This investment, through the Rapid Housing Initiative, will provide stability and safety to those who need it the most. I’m proud that this major investment will help meet affordable housing needs here in Newfoundland and Labrador for decades to come. This is our government’s National Housing Strategy at work.”
Yvonne Jones
Member of Parliament for Labrador

“Everyone deserves a safe place to call home to live, raise a family, and build a future – including here in Lake Melville. This Rapid Housing Initiative, in combination with the National Strategy, will provide funding to help build new affordable homes – quickly. The attention on accessibility and inclusivity within the universal design of these 16 units will help towards ensuring no one gets left behind.”
Perry Trimper
Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier
Member of House of Legislative Assembly for Lake Melville

“With such a demand for affordable housing in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, it is great to see the completion of these 16 homes. This is a major investment in our community and provides a safe and stable place for individuals and families to grow and succeed. The 13th Council is thankful to have partnered with all parties involved and looks forward to continuing to work together on future initiatives.”
His Worship George Andrews
Mayor of Happy Valley Goose Bay

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Quick Facts

The National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10+ year, $115+ billion plan to give more Canadians a place to call home. Progress on programs and initiatives is updated quarterly at www.placetocallhome.ca. The Housing Funding Initiatives Map shows affordable housing projects that have been developed.
- As of September 2024, the federal government has committed $57.57 billion to support the creation of over 156,000 units and the repair of over 297,000 units. These measures prioritize those in greatest need, including seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and women and children fleeing violence.
The Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) is delivered through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) under the NHS. It provides funding to facilitate the rapid construction of new housing and the acquisition of existing buildings for the purpose of rehabilitation or conversion to permanent affordable housing units. With its third phase, launched in 2022, the Rapid Housing Initiative once again exceeded targets. It is expected that with this phase over 5,200 new homes will be created, of which almost half will be for women and one third will be for Indigenous Peoples. The total number of units created with the support of Rapid Housing Initiative is expected to be over 16,000 units. The program is now closed.
- The RHI takes a human rights-based approach to housing, serving people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and other vulnerable people, including women and children fleeing domestic violence, seniors, young adults, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, people experiencing mental health and addiction issues, Veterans, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, racialized groups, and recent immigrants or refugees.

Premier Furey and Minister Abbott Congratulate The Gathering Place on Completed Construction of New Supported Housing

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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Learn more
Budget 2024

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