People who require support to live independently in the community now have access to 10 new affordable housing units built and operated by the Community Mental Health Initiative (CMHI) in Corner Brook. An official opening was held today to begin operations at the $1.6 million Summit Place supportive living apartment complex.
The Federal and Provincial Governments contributed equally to a $1 million investment through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Affordable Housing Program Agreement.
In addition, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NHLC) provided $350,000 through its Supportive Living Program and Provincial Homelessness Fund as well as $147,000 that will be provided annually through NLHC‘s Supportive Living Program to employ staff at the facility, including a mental health support worker, a housing support worker and a part-time maintenance worker. CMHI also received $331,573 through Human Resources and Skills Development Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS).
The Honourable Peter Penashue, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador and MP for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, made the announcement today.
“Our government is proud to be investing in these new units here in Corner Brook,” said Minister Penashue. “Summit Place will provide access to safe, affordable housing for people with special needs and for them, a place to call home.”
“I am pleased with the level of investment the Provincial Government is making to provide supportive housing through Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation,” said Minister Hedderson. “One of our main Social Housing Plan objectives is to develop partnerships throughout the province that provide a greater range of supportive living options for individuals with complex needs. I have every confidence that our partnership with the Community Mental Health Initiative and the development of Summit Place will help many people in need of safe affordable housing in Corner Brook.”
Located on Premier Drive in Corner Brook, Summit Place opened in July. Founded in 1994 and incorporated in 1996, the CMHI is a non-profit community-based organization comprised of representatives from professional agencies, community groups and health care consumers who work together to address mental health needs in the Corner Brook, Bay of Islands and Deer Lake areas.
“CMHI is thrilled to see Summit Place finally opened,” said Jade Mahoney, Co-ordinator for CMHI. “We have received such positive feedback from tenants, neighbours and the community-at-large. It’s important to note that Summit Place provides more than just housing to 10 individuals; we have staff on site who offer various programs, including mental health and housing support to the tenants as well as the broader community.”
A key objective for the Provincial Government is to stimulate the development of affordable rental housing by the private, public and non-profit sectors. A priority is placed on developing rental housing for persons with disabilities, seniors and people who require supports to live independently in the community. This work is in keeping with A Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador – Secure Foundations, released by the Provincial Government in August 2009, which outlines a long-term vision for social housing. It is aimed at improving the housing circumstances of people with low incomes and helping create healthier communities. A copy of the social housing plan is available at www.nlhc.nl.ca/SocialHsingPlan/report.pdf.
The Government of Canada, through CMHC, will invest more than $2 billion in housing this year. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of almost 605,000 households living in existing social housing. In Newfoundland and Labrador, this represents some 12,250 households. These investments are improving the quality of life for Canadians with low incomes and households living in existing social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants, and Aboriginal people.
The HPS is a unique community-based program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness by providing direct support and funding to 61 designated communities across Canada. The HPS provides structures and supports that help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness achieve self-sufficiency and full participation in society.
To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca.
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Media contacts:
Jason Card
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 699-0470
jasoncard@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Communications Manager
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing
Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Caroline Arsenault
Principal, Communications & Marketing
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
902-426-8127
cmarsena@cmhc.ca
Marian Ngo
Special Assistant, Communications
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Jade Mahoney
Co-ordinator
Community Mental Health Initiative
(709) 634-4117
cmhi.iac@gmail.com
The Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, along with the Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Finance and MHA for Humber East, will attend the official opening of Summit Place in Corner Brook, a new affordable housing development operated by the Community Mental Health Initiative. The event will take place Monday, September 24, at 2:00 p.m., Summit Place, 112 Premier Drive, Corner Brook.
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Media contact:
Jason Card
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 699-0470
jasoncard@gov.nl.ca
The Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is providing $200,000 toward the construction of the new Libra House crisis shelter for women and children in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC), took part in an official sod-turning for the new facility today.
“Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is proud to be a supporting partner with Libra House on this project,” said Minister Hedderson. “One of the greatest issues facing victims of family violence is finding a safe and affordable place to live. This contribution in an investment in the community, and will help Libra House to enhance the services they currently provide to women and children who find themselves in vulnerable circumstances.”
Since 1985, Libra House has provided temporary safe shelter and supports for women and children throughout Labrador who have experienced violence or abuse. Libra House offers 24-hour service, seven days a week, and also operates a 24-hour crisis phone line.
“As a government, we are deeply committed to preventing violence against women, children and all vulnerable populations in Newfoundland and Labrador through our Violence Prevention Initiative,” said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and lead Minister for the Violence Prevention Initiative. “All women and children deserve to live in safe homes and communities without fear of violence. I applaud Libra House for the important work they do to support women and children so that they may live free from violence and abuse.”
“This new construction is a tremendous asset to our community,” said Keith Russell, MHA for Lake Melville. “The staff of this valuable facility have been providing a high level of service for many years, and I applaud the efforts of Libra House in this new endeavour.”
As a partner of the Provincial Government’s $12 million Violence Prevention Initiative, NLHC recognizes that a lack of appropriate or available permanent shelter may often prevent families from escaping an abusive environment. Since 1991, NLHC has also offered alternative housing for victims of family violence and has helped more than 1,500 families province-wide regain control and rebuild their lives.
“The staff and board of Libra House are extremely excited about this new project,” said Janet O’Donnell, Executive Director of Libra House. “It will provide us with a space that is secure and accessible for women and their children who are seeking safe refuge from relationship violence. We are grateful to NLHC for their ongoing support over the years and for their support of this project in particular.”
A Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador – Secure Foundations, released by the Provincial Government in August 2009, outlines a 10-year vision for social housing. It is aimed at improving the housing circumstances of low-income households and helping create healthier communities.
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Media contacts:
| Jason Card Director of Communications Department of Transportation and Works 709-729-3015, 699-0470 jasoncard@gov.nl.ca |
Tracey Boland Communications Specialist Women’s Policy Office 709-729-6225, 693-7938 traceyboland@gov.nl.ca |
|
Jenny Bowring Manager, Communications Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation 709-724-3055 jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca |
Janet O’Donnell Executive Director, Libra House Happy Valley-Goose Bay (709) 896-8022 librahouse@nf.aibn.com |
The Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC), will attend the sod-turning for the construction of Libra House women’s shelter in Happy Valley-Goose Bay tomorrow (Friday, September 21) at 11:00 a.m. Minister Hedderson will be joined by Keith Russell, MHA for Lake Melville, and Len Simms, NLHC Chairman and CEO.
The building lot is located at 11-13 Lethbridge Street Extension (at the corner of Churchill Street and Lethbridge Street).
Please note this event will take place outdoors and appropriate footwear is advised.
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Media contacts:
Jason Card
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 699-0470
jasoncard@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Manager, Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca