Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation has awarded a $167,000 contract to G.S. Hunt Enterprises Ltd. to provide roofing upgrades on two buildings containing 20 social housing units on Topsail Road in Mount Pearl.
“Our government is committed to supporting Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation in its efforts to upgrade and renovate existing social housing throughout the province. We recognize that the ongoing maintenance of social housing improves the quality of life for tenants, while ensuring the availability of quality, affordable housing for the future.”
– The Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
Work on the buildings will include replacing existing asphalt shingles, damaged roof sheathing, eavestroughs and attic hatches, as well as installing new R-20 blown-in insulation in the attic. The work is expected to be completed by February 2016.
For more information on Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation programs, visit: https://www.nlhc.nl.ca .
QUICK FACTS:
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Media contacts:
Jenny Bowring
Communications Manager
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
709-729-0928, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) has awarded its 2015 Scholarship awards to tenants currently pursuing post-secondary studies. Each scholarship is valued at $1,000.
“The Provincial Government, through Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, is proud to award these scholarships to assist students in meeting the financial obligations that accompany a post-secondary education. I congratulate the scholarship recipients and commend all the applicants for their commitment to obtaining a higher education. I wish them all the best in their future studies.”
– The Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
Youth scholarships are awarded based on the results of the Department of Education’s scholarship score, which is derived from a student’s performance on public exams. Adult scholarships are awarded based on reviews that assess need, initiative, and community involvement. The following are the 2015 NLHC Scholarship recipients:
Youth scholarship recipients are:
Adult scholarship recipients are:
For more information on the NLHC Scholarship Program, call 724-3003 or visit: https://www.nlhc.nl.ca/scholarship-program/
QUICK FACTS:
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Media contacts:
Jenny Bowring
Manager, Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
709-729-0928, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca
The Provincial Government is developing a 10-year strategy to end homelessness in Newfoundland and Labrador, with several initiatives already underway. Work on the strategy is being informed by recommendations contained in an independent consultant’s report entitled A Roadmap for Ending Homelessness in Newfoundland and Labrador, prepared by Orgcode Consulting Inc., and released earlier this year.
“Earlier this year, we agreed to adopt a Housing First approach, whereby individuals in need are provided with a safe place to live, and at the same time provided with the supports they require to stabilize their lives. We are now moving forward to create the government and community-based partnerships required to make these efforts work most effectively.”
– Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors Wellness and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) and the Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development (SWSD), will co-lead the development and implementation of the plan. A number of initiatives, involving these and other departments and agencies, will move forward in the short-term. These initiatives include, but are not limited to:
More information on these early initiatives is included in the backgrounder below.
“We take this opportunity to thank the initial steering committee of community and government partners, who reviewed the OrgCode recommendations and advised government on the best strategies for an effective plan to help eliminate homelessness throughout our province. We are very pleased with the early initiatives that are being developed, and the work that has been completed since the OrgCode report was released.”
– John Ottenheimer, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
While a number of early actions are being announced, work on the 10-year plan to end homelessness is ongoing collaboratively among government departments as well as community partners. The full plan is expected to be released in spring 2016.
To review A Roadmap for Ending Homelessness in Newfoundland and Labrador, visit the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation website at: https://www.nlhc.nl.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/OrgCode.pdf .
QUICK FACTS
– 30 –
Media contacts:
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Seniors, Wellness and
Social Development
709-729-0928, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Communications Manager
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing
Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
BACKGROUNDER
Initiatives to End Homelessness
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) and the Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development (SWSD), are co-leading the development and implementation of a 10-year plan to end homelessness in Newfoundland and Labrador. Some of the initiatives being developed, to date, are described below.
Provincial Advisory Council on Ending Homelessness – The Provincial Government will establish a Provincial Advisory Council on Ending Homelessness that will include representatives of key community-based groups and individuals with lived experience. The purpose of the council is to advise the minister on issues around homelessness. An Expression of Interest will be issued in December to seek membership.
Deputy Ministers Committee – A Deputy Ministers Committee, co-chaired by the CEO of NLHC and the Deputy Minister of SWSD, will oversee the development and implementation of the 10-year plan. The committee will include the deputies of Advanced Education and Skills, Health and Community Services, Child, Youth and Family Services, Women’s Policy Office, Justice and Public Safety, Finance, and the Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs Office.
Out of the Cold Program – Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation will invest $800,000 for a two-year emergency shelter pilot operation in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The pilot will be developed through a partnership with the Provincial Government, the Nunatsiavut Government, the Salvation Army, and other community partners.
Supportive Living Program – Through the Supportive Living Program, and in partnership with the Nunatsiavut Government, NLHC will create two additional supportive housing units, one each for Nain and Hopedale. These units will provide supportive accommodations for up to seven individuals in need of housing.
Provincial Homelessness Management Information System – A $100,000 investment has enabled NLHC to partner with the Newfoundland and Labrador Statistics Agency to begin the coordination of housing and homelessness data with service providers. This work will inform the development of a provincial Homelessness Management Information System. The system will enhance the Provincial Government’s ability to make evidence-based policy and programming decisions around homelessness.
End Homelessness St. John’s
The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced a $2.5 million investment for a new Downpayment Assistance Program (DAP) for first-time homebuyers. The two-year pilot program, administered by Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC), provides first-time homebuyers with low-to-moderate incomes the opportunity to qualify for downpayment loan assistance to purchase a home.
“The Downpayment Assistance Program can help make the dream of homeownership a reality for more individuals and families throughout the province. Affordable homeownership is an investment in our future, and enables us to encourage and support those who choose Newfoundland and Labrador as their home and want to live, work and raise their families here.”
– The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
Applicants must have a total household income of $65,000 or less, and be able to obtain a pre-approved mortgage from an accredited lender. Based on a sliding scale of household income and regional residential real estate costs, an applicant may be eligible for a downpayment loan ranging from $4,000 to $12,500.
“Saving the downpayment for a home is often one of the greatest challenges for potential first-time homebuyers. Our government, under the Premier’s leadership, has created this Downpayment Assistance Program as a way to open the door to homeownership for families and individuals who never thought it would be a possibility.”
– The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
The program will provide eligible households a repayable loan of up to five per cent of the purchase price of a new or existing home, to a maximum purchase price of $250,000 in St. John’s (Census Metro Area) and Labrador; $200,000 in regional centres (Clarenville, Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, Corner Brook and Stephenville) and all communities within a 30-kilometre radius; and $175,000 in the remainder of the province. Further details are available in backgrounder below.
“Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is pleased to play an integral role in the development and management of a program which can help people enter into homeownership. Our Corporation will ensure the program is made available to all regions of our province.”
– John Ottenheimer, Chief Executive Officer, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation,
Recognizing that community collaboration is vital for a successful program, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation has worked closely to establish partnerships with municipalities, the real estate industry, the legal community, financial institutions, as well as the private and non-profit sectors, to further improve housing affordability through this initiative.
“We are pleased that the Provincial Government recognizes the importance of homeownership as a key piece of building financial independence for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and we are excited about the new Downpayment Assistance Program. Purchasing a home is a solid investment, and this program will certainly help people who are struggling to reach their dreams of homeownership.”
– Bill Stirling, Chief Executive Officer, Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Realtors
Successful applicants will have five years after the purchase of a home before loan repayment begins. The pilot program can assist approximately 100-125 applicants annually. DAP applications are available at all Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation regional offices and on NLHC’s website. For more information, visit: http://www.nlhc.nl.ca/programs/programsDap.html
QUICK FACTS
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Media contacts:
Heather MacLean
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-729-3581
heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca
Donna Ivey
Special Assistant, Communications
Office of the Premier
709-729-3551
donnaivey@gov.nl.ca
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
709-729-0928, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Communications Manager
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Bill Stirling,
Chief Executive Officer, Newfoundland and Labrador Association of REALTORS®
709-726-3002, 743-1566
bstirling@nlar.ca
Backgrounder
Sliding Scale of Assistance
| Income Level | St. John’s and Labrador | Regional Centres | Rural Newfoundland |
| Maximum Loan Amount* | Maximum Loan Amount | Maximum Loan Amount | |
| <$65,000 | $12,500 | $10,000 | $8,750 |
| $66,000 | $12,000 | $9,500 | $8,250 |
| $67,000 | $11,500 | $9,000 | $7,750 |
| $68,000 | $11,000 | $8,500 | $7,250 |
| $69,000 | $10,500 | $8,000 | $6,750 |
| $70,000 | $10,000 | $7,500 | $6,250 |
| $71,000 | $9,500 | $7,000 | $5,750 |
| $72,000 | $9,000 | $6,500 | $5,250 |
| $73,000 | $8,500 | $6,000 | $4,750 |
| $74,000 | $8,000 | $5,500 | $4,250 |
| $75,000 | $7,500 | $5,000 | $3,750 |
| * maximum loan amounts are based on the maximum 5% loan available, subject to maximum purchase prices ($250,000 in St. John’s (Census Metropolitan area) and Labrador; $200,000 in the five regional centres of Clarenville, Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, Corner Brook and Stephenville and all communities within a 30-kilometre radius, and $175,000 in the rest of Newfoundland and Labrador. | |||