As part of the new Provincial Government’s commitment to help more people find a safe and affordable place to live, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) has issued a request for proposals to build a three-apartment accessible home in St. John’s.

The work will see construction of one residential building on Hoyles Avenue on land owned by NLHC. This one-story building will consist of three separate apartments. One of them will be a one-bedroom unit and two will be studio style. The one-bedroom and one studio apartment will be fully wheelchair accessible, while all three apartments will incorporate Universal Design features such as wider doors, lever handles, and grab bars.

The two studio-style units are between 450-500 square feet, and the one-bedroom unit is approximately 700 square feet. These units will support individuals who are experiencing homelessness or who are unsheltered.

Funding of $458,000 is being provided by End Homelessness St. John’s through the Government of Canada’s Unsheltered Homelessness and Encampments Initiative, a $250 million program that works to help individuals who are experiencing homelessness or unsheltered find stable housing.

Accessible homes are much needed.  In the 2024 report called Point-in-Time Count compiled by End Homelessness St John’s, 92 per cent of people experiencing homeless identified as having a disability.

This RFP is open until April 16, 2026.

Quotes
“Too many people in Newfoundland and Labrador cannot find a safe and affordable place to live. This project shows how we can work with the Federal Government, the private sector and the community sector to get things done. It will take all of us working together toward the common goal of getting more homes built.”
Honourable Joedy Wall
Minister of Housing

“Our government is proud to support the construction of three apartments on Hoyles Avenue in St. John’s. These apartments will become safe, accessible homes for members of our community who are in need, and represent an important step towards tackling homelessness in St. John’s.”
Honourable Joanne Thompson
Federal Minister of Fisheries
Member of Parliament for St. John’s East

“Access to safe, appropriate housing is foundational to ending homelessness, and for many individuals we serve, accessibility is essential. This investment, supported by our Community Advisory Board, represents a meaningful step forward in creating housing that meets people where they are, particularly those living with disabilities who too often face barriers in securing stable homes. By combining accessibility, thoughtful design, and targeted support, this project reflects the kind of collaborative, solutions-focused approach we need to see more of across our community.”
Doug Pawson
Executive Director, End Homelessness St. John’s