The Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador today joined the Melville Native Housing Association in celebrating the completion of renovations to 75 affordable social housing homes owned and managed by the association in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Contributions of $1.5 million were provided by both levels of government for a total investment of $3 million.
The funding was made available through Canada’s Economic Action Plan – the Federal Government’s plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession. The federal and provincial governments have contributed equally to these renovations through an overall investment of $58 million under the amended 2009 Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Affordable Housing Program Agreement.
“Our government is committed to supporting communities across Canada and giving a hand-up to those in need,” said the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. “Through investments to organizations such as the Melville Native Housing Association, we are helping Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to renovate their homes while creating jobs locally.”
“The Provincial Government is a proud partner of the Melville Native Housing Association, and we appreciate the fabulous work they do to provide quality, affordable housing for people in Labrador,” said the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. “Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation and its partners remain committed to improving the housing circumstances of people with low incomes, which helps create strong and healthy communities.”
Funding in the amount of $175,000 was also made available for this project through Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s Modernization and Improvement Program. The combined investment of $3.17 million allowed for substantial renovation work to be completed by the Melville Native Housing Association, including the replacement of siding, doors, windows, and roofs for 75 units. The association is a volunteer, non-profit organization formed in 1985 to help address the housing needs of Aboriginal people residing in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
“This was a tremendously important project for our organization, because it gave us the opportunity to make necessary and substantial upgrades to all of our 75 homes,” said Matthew Pike, Chairperson, Melville Native Housing Association. “We firmly believe investments in long-term affordable rental housing provide people with opportunities for a better future, and we thank the Federal and Provincial Governments for their continued support.”
The Government of Canada, through CMHC, will invest approximately $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 low-income Canadians 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.
A key objective for the Provincial Government is to stimulate the development of affordable rental housing by the private, public, and non-profit sectors. 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. A copy of the social housing plan is available atwww.nlhc.nl.ca/documents/publications/ShpDocument2009.pdf.
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-schl.gc.ca.
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Media contacts:
Ed Moriarity
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 699-5668
edmoriarity@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Communications Manager
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing
Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Katherine LeBlanc
Communications,
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
902-426-6581
krleblan@cmhc.ca
Marian Ngo
Special Assistant, Communications
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Matthew Pike, Chairperson
Melville Native Housing Association
709-896-9420
norlogics@gmail.com
Twelve Newfoundland and Labrador Housing tenants attending post-secondary school have been awarded $1,000 scholarships. The scholarships are helping to meet the Provincial Government’s commitment to create healthier communities as outlined in A Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador – Secure Foundations.
“The Provincial Government conducts itself on the principle that education is a vital element in helping people improve their social and economic well-being,” said the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing. “This assistance will help students meet their financial obligations, as they continue to invest in their education, and their future.”
The scholarships are awarded annually to both tenants and their children. Since 1987, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation has awarded 228 scholarships to students throughout the province.
“I extend my sincere congratulations to each scholarship winner, and all the applicants, and wish them well in their future studies,” said Minister Davis.
The 2012 youth scholarship winners are:
The 2012 Adult Scholarship winners are:
Youth scholarships are awarded based on the results of the Department of Education’s scholarship score, which is derived from the student’s performance on public examinations.
Winners of the adult scholarships are selected based on reviews that assess initiative, need and community experience.
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Media contacts:
Ed Moriarity
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 699-5668
edmoriarity@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Manager, Communications
Newfoundland Labrador Housing
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
The Provincial Government continues to advance the goals of A Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador – Secure Foundations by supporting renovations to improve the energy efficiency of social housing. A $240,000 renovation project for exterior work is currently underway at a seven-unit building on Watson Street in St. John’s.
“Renovation and improvement projects help to ensure that social housing continues to meet the needs of people with low incomes,” said the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. “Exterior upgrades, such as those underway on Watson Street, make homes more energy efficient and comfortable for tenants while helping to advance sustainable energy practices in the province.”
Newfound Roofing Ltd. was awarded the contract to upgrade the homes on Watson Street. Renovations will include new siding, windows, doors, and ventilation systems. This work supports the Provincial Government’s climate change and energy efficiency commitments as outlined in Charting Our Course: Climate Change Action Plan 2011 and Moving Forward: Energy Efficiency Action Plan 2011.
Secure Foundations, released by the Provincial Government in August 2009, advances a 10-year vision for social housing. It is aimed at improving the housing circumstances of low-income households and helping create healthier communities. Budget 2012: People and Prosperity allocated $25.9 million for social housing infrastructure, including $10.4 million for maintenance and $12 million for renovations and improvements.
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is the province’s largest landlord with approximately 5,573 non-profit social housing dwellings province-wide.
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Media contacts:
Ed Moriarity
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 699-5668
edmoriarity@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Manager, Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Through Budget 2012: People and Prosperity, the Provincial Government’s social housing plan saw the creation of 224 new housing units and the provision of more than 1,700 rent supplements. Significant progress was made in advancing A Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador – Secure Foundations, a 10-year plan aimed at improving the housing circumstances of low-income households and helping create healthier communities. By the end of 2014, the Affordable Housing Program, with a total investment of $65 million, will have created more than 1,100 new homes in partnership with non-profit community groups and the private sector.
“I am proud to say that Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s record during 2012 shows that we have made excellent gains in increasing affordable housing options and providing housing solutions for individuals and families in greatest need throughout our province,” said the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC). “Our government remains committed to providing effective and efficient programs and services that continue to address the housing needs of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Budget 2012 increased the Rent Supplement Program by $1 million, bringing the total investment to $8 million. Through this program, NLHC is able to subsidize the difference between the approved market rental rate charged by private landlords and the rent paid by the tenant. The program includes approximately 130 units to help persons with complex needs through groups such as Stella Burry Community Services, and the Canadian Mental Health Association.
In 2012, more than 1,750 homeowners with low incomes were able to make renovations and repairs to their homes with help from a $6.7 million investment through the Provincial Home Repair Program. The goal of the program is to help people with low income make necessary repairs and renovations to live comfortably in their own homes. The types of repairs that can be undertaken with a loan or grant include upgrades to heating, electrical, or plumbing systems, and renovations and retrofits to structures, foundations, windows, doors, roofing, or siding.
Through the 2012 Provincial Homelessness Fund, the Provincial Government committed $870,000 to support grants to non-profit groups to help address homelessness in their communities. Over the past three years, the fund has provided 35 grants throughout the province, totalling approximately $3 million to help groups such as the Independent Living Resource Centre in St. John’s, Libra House in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Grace Sparks House in Marystown, and the Corner Brook Status of Women Council.
“Improving a person’s housing circumstance helps to improve their life,” said Minister Davis. “I am very pleased that our housing initiatives and work with community partners and the private sector are helping to make a positive difference in our communities.”
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is the province’s largest landlord with 5,573 non-profit social housing dwellings province-wide.
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Media contacts:
Ed Moriarity
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 699-5668
edmoriarity@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Manager, Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca