As part of its ongoing commitment to addressing issues of housing and homelessness, the Provincial Government is providing funding to the Gander Housing and Homelessness Hub to support their work in establishing a service hub in the area. The Provincial Government is providing the Hub with more than $117,000 for operational expenses and pre-development costs as it works to finalize details of the model and structure of the hub, which is anticipated to offer a range of housing supports and services.
The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, and the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs and MHA for Gander, today joined His Worship Percy Farwell, Mayor of Gander, and members of the Gander Housing and Homelessness Hub to discuss next steps in their efforts to support individuals experiencing homelessness in the area.
This project is part of the Town of Gander’s New Beginnings Proposal to address critical housing needs in the community. The Hub has engaged a consultant to solidify the project scope, based on an evaluation of current and future needs in the region. It is anticipated that the consultant’s work will be completed by spring 2025 and will provide critical guidance on next steps.
The Hub will be the latest step in a concerted response to homelessness in the region. In August, the Provincial Government announced the creation of a Transitional Housing initiative on Airport Boulevard, supported by a one-time investment of $430,000 and $859,000 in operating funding. Overseen by the Central Residential Services Board, this initiative will provide up to 15 individuals with transitional housing beds to help bridge the gap between homelessness and stable housing.
The $117,000 provincial investment includes more than $67,000 in new funding, as well as $50,000 through the Community Housing Growth Fund, announced in December 2024.
Quotes
“This latest funding to the Gander Housing and Homelessness Hub is a sign of our ongoing commitment to their efforts to address homelessness in the central region. My thanks to the Board, to Mayor Farwell and the town council, and to my colleague Minister Haggie for their continued collaboration in supporting the most vulnerable in the region.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions
“I am pleased to be a part of this announcement and would like to thank the Housing and Homelessness Hub and the Town of Gander for their vision and perseverance. Along with wraparound services from many community partners, these first steps along the housing continuum are a move in the right direction for individuals, families and our community.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs and MHA for Gander
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More Projects Approved under Newfoundland and Labrador Community Housing Growth Fund
Provincial Government Investing in Transitional Housing Initiative in Gander
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
Incentivizing community and private sector housing development
Community partnerships
Affordability
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
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
Federal and Provincial Governments Sign Agreement to Support Modernization of NLHC Homes
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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:
Here are the NLHC Adult Scholarship winners:
Three recipients requested not to have their name shared publicly. Each scholarship is valued at $1,000.
Quote
“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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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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