The Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC), today provided an update on the Froude Avenue fire situation which resulted in the complete loss of eight NLHC units and displaced 20 tenants.
The update is as follows:
Four other families (across the street from the eight units which were destroyed) had been temporarily displaced due to heavy smoke damage. These units were cleared for tenants to return on June 29.
An NLHC staff person was assigned to each family who had been displaced. The families are contacted daily by NLHC who check in with them, provide support, answer any questions they have and keep them apprised on the status of their housing situation.
Additionally, NLHC is currently exploring options, including seeking interest of insurance companies, to offer low-cost renters insurance to residents of social and affordable housing. In the provinces of Ontario, British Columbia and Manitoba, housing ministries have worked with tenant organizations and insurance companies to offer low-cost renters insurance to residents of social housing.
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“I want to once again thank everyone for their hard work and dedication in helping those impacted by the recent fire on Froude Avenue. We continue to assist individuals and families affected. There has been an incredible outpouring of support and this has been a true example of what community means.”
Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
– 30 –
Learn More
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing – www.nlhc.nl.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL , @CSSD_GovNL and @NLHousing
Media contacts
Krista Dalton
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055, 730-5886
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
The Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador will invest an additional $1.5 million in a redevelopment project that will help individuals in the community move from homelessness to stable affordable housing. The Centre of Hope project will create 20 units of affordable housing, providing safe and stable housing to those who need it most. The Salvation Army, Newfoundland and Labrador Division will also provide education, health and addiction services.
The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador was joined by Seamus O’Regan, Member of Parliament for St. John’s South – Mount Pearl, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), to make the announcement today at the proposed site for the new centre.
This investment is in addition to the $2.5 million announced by both governments in July 2015. Combined with this new funding, the federal and provincial governments are investing a total of $4 million for this project through the Investment in Affordable Housing Agreement (IAH).
The Centre for Hope is a redevelopment project that will replace the Salvation Army’s Harbour Light Centre and Catherine Booth House at 12 and 18 Springdale Street, St. John’s. The affordable housing project will be managed by the Salvation Army, Newfoundland and Labrador Division and will include support services for residents through the New Hope Community Centre.
The project has also received funding from the Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy and from the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Homelessness Fund for the development of services and programming at the Centre of Hope.
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“We are very committed to working with the Salvation Army, the Federal Government and all our community partners to help address the diverse housing needs and supports for those who are homeless or are at risk of homelessness, as well as those with distinct needs. The Salvation Army is a deeply-rooted and valued community partner, and our government is pleased to provide support for this worthwhile initiative.”
Honourable Dwight Ball
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Our government is dedicated to helping those in need, which is why we are proud to have invested in this project in St. John’s. The Centre of Hope is more than just safe and affordable place to live, these units and the community that supports them are key to a better life for the residents who will call them home.”
Seamus O’Regan
Member of Parliament for St. John’s South – Mount Pearl
“The Salvation Army strives to be a face of hope within our communities. The support for the Centre of Hope and the strategic partnership between our Provincial Government and our Federal Government proves that, even in times of uncertainty, we can be that face of hope. We are very grateful to both levels of government for helping us achieve our goal.”
Lt. Colonel Eddie Vincent
Divisional Commander, Salvation Army – Newfoundland and Labrador Division
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Learn more
Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation – www.cmhc.ca
Salvation Army, Newfoundland and Labrador Division – www.salvationarmy.ca/newfoundland/
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation – www.nlhc.nl.ca/
Follow on Twitter @GovNL , @NLHousing and @CMHC_ca
Media contacts
Michelle Cannizzaro
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
michellecannizzaro@gov.nl.ca
Émilie Gauduchon
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Duclos
819-654-5546
Emilie.Gauduchon@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Natalie Chavarie
Public Affairs Advisor
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
902-426-4262
nchavari@cmhc-schl.gc.ca
Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
The Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, today provided an update on the Froude Avenue fire situation affecting a total of 36 units. Twenty tenants were displaced due to the complete loss of their unit, while others were impacted as a result of heat and smoke/water damage or power loss.
The update is as follows:
Counselling services have been available at the Froude Avenue Community Centre since 10:00 a.m. this morning for tenants. Anyone requiring transportation can contact 709-725-8560.
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“I cannot adequately express the sense of community that I have witnessed over the past 24 hours, as people have rallied around the individuals and families affected by this devastating fire. I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has risen to the cause, from first responders to community groups and NLHC staff. This is a very difficult time for the residents, and we will continue to support them during their time of need.”
Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
– 30 –
Learn More
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing – www.nlhc.nl.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL , @CSSD_GovNL and @NLHousing
Media contacts
Krista Dalton
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055, 730-5886
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
The governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador have invested in transitional and supportive housing for youth in Southwestern Newfoundland. Supported by the Community Education Network (CEN), the Collaborative Foundations Youth Homelessness Initiative will focus on the provision of transitional and supportive housing and wrap-around services for at-risk and homeless youth ages 18 to 30. Located in Stephenville, the initiative will be able to assist up to eight homeless youth.
The Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, made the announcement today.
For this initiative, the Provincial Government, through Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, will lease a building to the CEN for a nominal fee of $1 annually. The project has also received $164,000 through the Homeless Partnering Strategy (HPS).
Since the launch of HPS, nearly 35,000 Canadians who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless have benefitted from education and training opportunities; over 34,000 have received help to find work; more than 6,000 new shelter beds have been created; and over 82,000 people received support in finding stable housing.
The Community Education Network, and its Associate Organizations, the Community Action Committee Family Resource Program and the Community Youth Network, provide an array of community-based services including: prenatal support; programs for young children and their parents/caregivers; licensed preschool programs; programs for school-age youth and young adults; mental health and addiction services; adult basic education; career and employment programs; and housing support services.
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“We are very proud to partner with the Community Education Network. This group provides supports and services to youth at risk bringing about positive change for individuals and communities.”
Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
“Homelessness is an important issue that our society faces, one that cannot go unnoticed. I would like to recognize the important work that is being done to support children, youth and families by the Community Education Network for Southwestern Newfoundland Inc. This project is a great example of what can be achieved when we come together and work towards common goals.”
Gudie Hutchings
Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Tourism
Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains
“I am very pleased to see this supportive housing investment in Stephenville. It will go a long way in assisting homeless and at-risk youth in the region. This is a tremendous example of what is possible through strong partnerships and collaboration with the federal government and community organizations.”
John Finn, MHA
Stephenville – Port au Port
“This is an exciting opportunity and will help attain our goal to develop a collaborative and comprehensive continuum of support for youth who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and assist them in attaining stable housing and become self-sufficient.”
Bernice Hancock
Executive Director, Community Education Network
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Learn more
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation – www.nlhc.nf.ca
Community Education Network – http://communityeducationnetwork.ca
Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @CSSD_GovNL
Media contacts
Krista Dalton
Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055, 730-5886
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca