As part of continued collaboration to address the root causes of homelessness, today the Federal and Provincial Governments announced an agreement that will see an additional $2 million invested in measures to address unsheltered homelessness in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The agreement, part of the Federal Government’s Unsheltered Homelessness and Encampments Initiative (UHEI), prioritizes initiatives that directly support people living without homes, tailored to the specific realities of St. John’s. New investments through this agreement include:
The agreement recognizes the Provincial Government’s significant investments in emergency shelter and transitional housing, anticipated to be over $30 million during each year of the agreement (2024-25 to 2025-26). These investments far surpass the requirement for cost-matching under the agreement.
The continued operations of the staffed emergency shelter system and Horizons at 106 in St. John’s are part of the Community Encampment Response Plan stipulated through the joint agreement. The Provincial Government is also supporting Mercy House, the recently completed transitional and supportive living space at the Gathering Place in St. John’s.
The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, joined the Honourable Joanne Thompson, federal Minister of Seniors and Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, and Doug Pawson, executive director of End Homelessness, St. John’s to make the announcement.
In late 2023, Premier Furey appointed a St. John’s acute homelessness task force including Minister Abbott, the mayor of the City of St. John’s and community partners to address issues that caused individuals to sleep rough in the capital city. The work of this committee informed the creation of Horizons at 106, new policy directions around homelessness, and has fostered greater collaboration amongst partners in addressing issues as they arise.
Housing provides stability and security and serves as the foundation for overall well-being. Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to live, and this initiative supports the Federal Government’s progressive realization of the right to adequate housing.
The $2 million in federal funding through the agreement is in addition to what the Federal Government is investing through the regionally delivered streams of Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy, a total of approximately $61 million from 2019-2028 in Newfoundland and Labrador. More agreements with provinces and territories are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Quotes
“As we have worked to address housing and homelessness challenges in our province, it has been clear at every turn that there is no one action or investment that can overcome these issues. This agreement is the latest in a series of efforts our government has taken, along with our federal and community partners, to help people break the cycle of homelessness. From expansion of staffed shelter beds, transitional and supportive housing to the creation of affordable housing, we are creating lasting housing solutions.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions
“Our government is determined to build a Canada where homelessness is no longer an issue. Together, we can support all parts of the housing spectrum so that every person has a safe, affordable place to call home. As public spaces increasingly become places of refuge, it is a reminder that we must act. Through thoughtful investments and partnerships, we can strengthen support services and take meaningful steps toward ending chronic homelessness.”
Honourable Joanne Thompson
Minister of Seniors and Member of Parliament for St. John’s East
“This investment represents a critical step in addressing unsheltered homelessness in St. John’s. The addition of micro-homes, along with enhanced support for our Housing Outreach Team and Supported Referrals Program, will help individuals not only find housing but also maintain it with the necessary supports. Collaboration across all levels of government and within the community is essential to achieving lasting change. We remain committed to ensuring every person in our city has access to safe, affordable housing and the resources they need to thrive.”
Doug Pawson
Executive Director, End Homelessness St. John’s
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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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Learn more
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, today announced the final approval of 11 projects under the Rental Housing Development Loan Program. These projects will support the development of over 450 new purpose-built residential rental units.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has approved loans of more than $41 million for the program. Eligible projects were approved through the Innovation and Business Investment Corporation, a Crown corporation supported by the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology.
There were 45 expression of interest applications received from all regions of the province through Phase I of the program. There were 16 invitations to apply to Phase II with 11 proposals being recommended in Phase III. These 11 projects have now received and signed financing agreements, designating final approval.
Further information on the successful applicants and approved projects can be found below.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Rental Housing Development Loan Program offers low-interest loan financing to qualified property developers for the construction of new rental housing. The aim of the program is to help increase the availability of housing as quickly as possible by incentivizing the construction of new units. Further information can be found on the website.
The Rental Housing Development Loan Program is part of the Provincial Government’s Five-Point Housing Plan, which aims to stimulate community and private sector development of affordable and market housing. More information on this plan can be found on Newfoundland and Labrador Housing’s website.
Quote
“The Rental Housing Development Loan program is helping to stimulate the creation of new market-rentals in the province, an area of significant demand. Together with other initiatives under the Five-Point Plan, as well as separate initiatives like the Affordable Rental Housing Program and the announced construction of new provincially owned homes, we are addressing need across the entire housing continuum.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions
BACKGROUNDER
Rental Housing Development Loan Program
| Project | Location | Number of Units | Loan Funding | Targeted Completion Year |
| St. Anthony Basin Resources Inc. | St. Anthony | 10 units | $1,150,000 | 2025 |
| Cherry Lane Construction Inc. O/A New Victorian Homes (Project 1) | St. John’s | 4 units | $760,000 | 2025 |
| Cherry Lane Construction Inc. O/A New Victorian Homes (Project 2) | St. John’s | 4 units | $760,000 | 2025 |
| Yellow Fox Properties Inc. | Gander | 4 units | $628,000 | 2025 |
| Pavy Holdings Inc. | CBS | 10 units | $2,088,000 | 2025 |
| Meadowbrook Cottages Ltd. | Reidville | 4 units | $450,000 | 2025 |
| Reardon Properties Inc. | St. John’s | 20 units | $3,445,000 | 2026 |
| JEST Construction Inc. | Channel-Port Aux Basques | 16 units | $2,209,279 | 2026 |
| KMK Capital Holdings ULC | St. John’s | 72 units | $10,000,000 | 2026-27 |
| Long Harbour Holdings Inc. | St. John’s | 107 units | $10,000,000 | 2026-27 |
| Clovelly Development Limited Partnership | St. John’s | 210 units | $10,000,000 | 2027-28 |
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.
Quote
“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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