Housing Needs Assessment Released for Nunatsiavut Communities

The Provincial and Nunatsiavut Governments have released the results of an Inuit Housing Needs Assessment that identifies individual and family housing needs of Nunatsiavut residents. The assessment confirmed housing shortages and need for improved housing in Nunatsiavut, in particular in the communities of Nain and Hopedale.

“Our partnership with the Nunatsiavut Government on this assessment has proved valuable and confirmed the seriousness of the situation in Nunatsiavut. As reflected by our participation in the Housing Needs Assessment and our ongoing dialogue with the Nunatsiavut Government, we are committed to using available resources to explore solutions to address housing issues in the Inuit communities. There is also opportunity for greater involvement from the Federal Government to help support residents and these communities.”
– The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

Conducted in 2012, the Housing Needs Assessment had a response rate of over 90 per cent. The findings from the assessment, coupled with expert knowledge of current housing challenges, and local knowledge of housing needs and preferences, will be used to build healthy housing and contribute to the development of sustainable communities in Nunatsiavut. Some of the assessment’s findings are outlined in the enclosed backgrounder.

“We have always maintained that there is a housing shortage and inadequate standards of housing in our communities. We know there is a significant need for social housing, particularly for seniors and low-income families, as well as the need to repair and/or replace many homes. Our government’s Healthy Homes program will mark a necessary first step towards housing developments that are designed and built by Inuit for Inuit. We are addressing our housing issues at its root to provide long-term housing solutions that are actionable across Nunatsiavut and Inuit Nunangat.”
– Sarah Leo, President, Nunatsiavut

In March, the Nunatsiavut Government will host its first housing session where architects and other housing professionals will learn from Nunatsiavummiut what design options are needed to accommodate local lifestyles, cultural preferences and demands, and local climate. The plan is to build and monitor a pilot multi-unit residential dwelling for Nunatsiavummiut that is culturally relevant, energy efficient and technologically smart, and adapted to new climatic and environmental realities.

“As our government works closely with the Nunatsiavut Government to improve access to housing in Nain, Hopedale, Rigolet, Makkovik, and Postville, it is paramount that we look for innovative solutions. Together, we can advance positive, sustainable outcomes that meet the cultural and geographic requirements of Inuit communities.”
– The Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister Responsible for Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs

Both governments are committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

QUICK FACTS

  • The Housing Needs Assessment, funded equally by the Nunatsiavut, Provincial and Federal Governments, was carried out in each Labrador Inuit community during the fall of 2012. It identifies individual and family housing needs of Nunatsiavut residents, and confirms housing shortages and need for improved housing in Nunatsiavut, in particular in the communities of Nain and Hopedale.
  • In its 2013-14 budget, the Nunatsiavut Government allocated a total of $2.7 million to help with the development of a long-term sustainable housing strategy.
  • The Nunatsiavut Government provides about $2.3 million annual to Torngat Regional Housing Association to repair and/or construct new homes in each of the five Labrador Inuit communities.
  • Since 2010, the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation has constructed eight new social housing units in Nain and Hopedale (four each). The total investment was $1.8 million.
  • In 2007, the Provincial Government and the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation allocated $2 million through the Off-Reserve Aboriginal Housing Trust to the Nunatsiavut Government to address housing needs in the Inuit communities. The Nunatsiavut Government advised that it was utilized to construct 11 new homes and 13 major home repairs. An additional $6 million was divided among the Nunatsiavut Government, the then-Federation of Newfoundland Indians, the then-Labrador Metis Nation; and, the Miawpukek First Nation, for an Off-Reserve Aboriginal Housing Repair Program.

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Media contacts:

John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Advanced Education and Skills
709-729-0753, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca

Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
709-3015, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca

Bert Pomeroy
Director of Communications
Nunatsiavut Government
709-896-8582, 899-0004
bert_pomeroy@nuntasiavut.com

BACKGROUNDER
Some Results of the Housing Needs Assessment

Some of the information gathered through the door-to-door surveys identified the following:

  • Based on the Statistics Canada definition of ‘overcrowding’, 14.6 per cent of households in Nain and 13.8 per cent in Hopedale are overcrowded;
  • Almost 50 per cent of all homes in Nain and Hopedale house more than one family unit (48 per cent in Nain and 45 per cent in Hopedale). This is also true of 26 per cent of homes in Makkovik, 23 per cent in Rigolet and 22 per cent in Postville;
  • More than half of the dwellings in Nain and Hopedale are inadequately heated, including 57 per cent in Nain and 63 per cent in Hopedale. The average for all Nunatsiavut communities is 43 per cent;
  • Almost 80 per cent of households say they have trouble heating their home due to the poor condition of their dwelling;
  • Nearly 75 per cent of all dwellings are in need of repairs; and,
  • Approximately 45 per cent of dwellings in Nunatsiavut have mould.

Contracts Awarded for Exterior and Energy Efficiency Improvements

Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) has awarded two contracts valued at $336,000 to upgrade 22 social housing homes in St. John’s with home Heat Recovery Systems to increase energy efficiency.

“The Provincial Government recognizes the importance of providing safe and affordable rental housing to families and individuals with low incomes in housing need. These latest contracts will result in upgrades to housing units and demonstrates our continued commitment and investment into social programs.”
– The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister Responsible for NLHC

A $277,000 contract was awarded to G.S. Hunt Ltd. for exterior renovations and installation of home Heat Recovery Systems in six housing units in the east end of St. John’s. The exterior upgrades will include wall, window, door and roofing replacements along with installation of new steps, decks, and ramps. The expected completion date for the work is September 2014.

Eastern Siding Systems Ltd. was awarded a $59,000 contract to install home Heat Recovery Systems in a 16-unit building in the centre part of the city. The project is expected to be completed by April 2014.

Since January 2013, $10 million has been invested to renovate approximately 450 social housing units throughout the province. To date, approximately 75 per cent of units province-wide have received exterior upgrades. The Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation continues to help meet the social housing needs of smaller families and single people through reconfiguration projects.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

QUICK FACTS

  • The Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing has announced $336,000 to upgrade 22 social housing homes in St. John’s.
  • The housing unit renovations support the commitments in the Provincial Government’s action plans on climate change and energy efficiency, Charting Our Course: Climate Change Action Plan 2011 and Moving Forward: Energy Efficiency Action Plan 2011.
  • Newfoundland and Labrador Housing is the province’s largest landlord, with 5,556 affordable rental units province-wide.

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Media contacts:

John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Advanced Education and Skills
709-729-0753, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca

Jenny Bowring
Manager, Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca

Minister Acknowledges NLHC’s Accomplishments for 2013

In 2013, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) continues to provide affordable and innovative social housing to families, seniors, and single adults with low incomes, as well as persons with disabilities and persons with complex needs. Along with 5,556 affordable rental units province-wide, NLHC provided 1,732 rent supplements in 2013 valued at $8 million to help people afford private landlord rents.

“NLHC has had another successful year in the delivery of our core housing programs, and the continuing upgrade of our provincial social housing portfolio. Through programs such as the Provincial Homelessness Fund and the Supportive Living Program, we have also been able to provide increased housing options throughout the province, helping to improve the quality of life for many individuals and families.”
– The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister Responsible for NLHC

NLHC’s 2013 highlights include:

  • The Affordable Housing Program provided $13.6 million to 34 non-profit and private-sector partners to create another 244 new housing units for seniors and persons with disabilities, including 71 accessible units.
  • $10-million in renovations completed or nearing completion on approximately 450 rental units province-wide, bringing to 75 per cent the ratio of units that have received exterior renovations and are in good shape.
  • The Provincial Home Repair Program provided $10.4 million comprising 2,327 grants and 392 loans to help mostly rural homeowners make renovations and repairs necessary to maintain and remain in their homes.
  • The Supportive Living Program provided $3.9 million in grants to 26 non-profit community-based projects that helped individuals with complex needs find housing and maintain long-term housing stability.
  • Reconfigurations continued, a $177,000 remodelling of a unit in St. John’s from an existing three-bedroom unit into two new units comprising a two-bedroom home and a single bedroom apartment.
  • The Home Modification Program provided $2.5 million to help 400 homeowners with low-to-moderate incomes make accessibility modifications to their homes.
  • The Provincial Homelessness Fund provided $1.2 million to help 17 non-profit groups improve services for the homeless and those at risk of homelessness.

“Moving forward in the New Year, I have great confidence that we will build on our success of the past year and work with our valued partners to continue developing solutions and options which will help provide safe and affordable homes to those most vulnerable.” 
– Minister O’Brien

QUICK FACTS

  • Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) is providing affordable social housing options to families, seniors, and single adults with low incomes, as well as persons with disabilities and persons with complex needs, throughout the province.
  • NLHC is the province’s largest landlord, with 5,556 affordable rental units province-wide.
  • Approximately 1,732 rent supplements valued at $8 million were provided in 2013 to help households afford private landlord rents, including 130 first-time supplements to the Canadian Mental Health Association and Stella Burry for persons with complex needs.
  • By the end of the current Investment in Affordable Housing Agreement, March 2014, a total of 1,117 affordable units will have been created throughout the province.
  • In the 2012-13, 16,300 households received direct assistance through NLHC’s programs and services.

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Media contacts:

John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Advanced Education and Skills
709-729-0753, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca

Jenny Bowring
Manager, Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca

Minister Announces 2013 NLHC Scholarship Recipients

Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) continues to support tenants with the awarding of its 2013 scholarship, valued at $1,000, to nine youth and three adults. Since 1987, NLHC has awarded 240 scholarships throughout the province to support tenants pursuing a post-secondary education.

“NLHC is proud to offer these scholarships, which can help students achieve their goals and enhance their opportunities in life. Congratulations to the scholarship winners and we wish them all the best in their continuing education and future pursuits.”
– The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister Responsible for NLHC

2013 NLHC Scholarship recipients are:

Youth Scholarship winners:

  • Courtney Caines, St. John’s, is a graduate of Gonzaga High attending Memorial University.
  • Thomas Crummell, Mount Pearl, is a graduate of O’Donel High School attending Memorial University.
  • Mona Shannir, St. John’s, is a graduate of Holy Heart of Mary High School attending Memorial University.
  • Katrina Stavila, Mount Pearl, is a graduate of O’Donel High School attending Memorial University.
  • Shania Caravan, Deer Lake, is a graduate of Elwood Regional High School attending Memorial University.
  • Matthew Coady, Corner Brook, is a graduate of Corner Brook Regional High School attending the University of New Brunswick.
  • Michael Joyce, Corner Brook, is a graduate of Corner Brook Regional High School attending Memorial University.
  • Keisha Samson, Corner Brook, is a graduate of Corner Brook Regional High School attending Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia.
  • Ana Velez, Corner Brook, is a graduate of Corner Brook Regional High School attending Memorial University.

Adult Scholarship winners:

  • Jessica Taylor, St. John’s, is currently attending Memorial University.
  • Kristen Milley, Grand Falls-Windsor, is currently attending at Memorial.
  • Savannah Sidle, Corner Brook, is currently attending Memorial University.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

QUICK FACTS

  • Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) has awarded its 2013 Scholarship awards to 12 tenants currently pursuing post-secondary studies. Nine youth and three adult tenants have received a scholarship valued at $1,000.
  • 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.

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Media contacts:

John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Advanced Education and
Skills
709-729-0753, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca

Jenny Bowring
Manager, Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca