To support women and children at risk or fleeing violence on the Burin Peninsula, the Federal, Provincial and Municipal Governments came together today to announce more than $7.5 million to build a shelter for women in Marystown. This investment is aligned with the Provincial Government’s overall commitment to supporting the safety and well-being of women in the province.

Owned and operated by Grace Sparkes House, the new shelter will have 10 private rooms with 20 beds, with a design that will accommodate single women, women with children and trans women that are in emergency need.

The shelter will have a safe interior space with a fenced-in outdoor courtyard. Security features such as cameras monitored by staff, deadbolts and keycard entry will also be in place. The residents will have access to both an in-suite kitchenette and a communal kitchen, as well as laundry facilities in each wing of the building.

Funding for this project includes:

• $6.7 million in funding through the federal Affordable Housing Fund, Women and Children Stream;
• $40,000 from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s SEED funding;
• $722,000 in funding from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador;
• $250,845 in funding through Reaching Home – Remote and Rural NL Funding Stream; and
• Land donated by the Town of Marystown.

Construction of the project is expected to be completed in spring 2024.

Quotes
“Our government continues to prioritize initiatives that support the safety of women and children at risk of or experiencing violence. From the introduction of Clare’s Law this year to our investment in this new shelter, we are focused on helping women find a safe place to recover and rebuild their lives. In addition to supporting this new build, we will continue to provide $9.1 million annually to support the 10 transition houses provincewide.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

“Every woman deserves a refuge where their dignity is upheld and their journey to healing is supported. This women’s shelter will not only be a physical haven, but a symbol of our collective dedication to creating a society where every individual can thrive free from violence and fear.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

“Thanks to today’s announcement, women in Marystown and surrounding areas will soon have safe and affordable housing if they need shelter. It’s through facilities like this one that residents will be able to heal and begin building a promising future for themselves and their families.”
Churence Rogers
Member of Parliament for Bonavista – Burin – Trinity

“In early 2023, the Town of Marystown donated a parcel of land to the Grace Sparkes House for the purpose of building a new state-of-the-art facility in Marystown.  The town is looking forward to seeing a brand-new facility allowing more space to assist those in need with regards to domestic violence.”
His Worship Brian Keating
Mayor of the Town of Marystown

“Empowering safety and hope: Our commitment to building a new safe haven for women and children affected by violence shines through with our government and community partners as we secure funding for a new, inclusive shelter.  Providing those who use our services with comfort, safety, privacy and support is paramount during their healing in times of distress and the new physical design of Grace Sparkes House will do just that as it was developed through the vision and suggestions of the women and children who have trusted us with their care and safety over the past 23 years.  Grace Sparkes House is unwavering in our dedication to ensuring that no one suffers in silence or lives in fear, and this initiative represents our collective resolve to provide women and children with a nurturing space to heal and begin living their lives free of violence.”
Lisa Slaney
Executive Director, Grace Sparkes House

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Learn more
$13.6 Million In Federal Funding Announced to Help End Gender-Based Violence in Newfoundland and Labrador

Interpersonal Violence Disclosure Protocol Act Proclaimed

National Housing Strategy

Housing Funding Initiatives Map

Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

Canada.ca/housing

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

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Media contacts
Marc Budgell
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-727-5843
mtbudgell@nlhc.nl.ca

Kathy Dicks-Peyton
Office of Women and Gender Equality
709-729-2987, 709-699-1982
kathydickspeyton@gov.nl.ca

Micaal Ahmed
Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
micaal.ahmed@infc.gc.ca

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

Brian Keating
Mayor, Town of Marystown
709-277-0612
bkeating@townofmarystown.ca

Lisa Slaney
Grace Sparkes House
709 279-3561
lslaney@gracesparkeshouse.com

BACKGROUNDER

Quick Facts
 

• The Government of Canada’s National Housing Strategy (NHS) is an ambitious 10-year plan that will invest over $82 billion to give more Canadians a place to call home.
• The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) (previously the National Housing Co-Investment Fund) (NHCF) is a program under the NHS that gives priority to projects that help people who need it most, including women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous peoples, people living with disabilities, those with mental health or addiction issues, veterans, and young adults.
• The AHF is part of Canada’s NHS, an $82-billion-plus plan to give more Canadians a place to call home. Progress on programs and initiatives are updated quarterly at https://www.placetocallhome.ca/. The Housing Funding Initiatives Map shows affordable housing projects that have been developed.
• As of September 30, 2023, the Government of Canada has committed over $38.89 billion to support the creation of over 151,803 units and the repair of over 241,133 units.
• As with all projects for women and children leaving violence, the address of this project has not been disclosed due to safety reasons.