NLIS 1
May 3, 2000
(Municipal and Provincial Affairs)

Funding for Supportive Housing Complex

It gives me great pleasure today to inform the House that today funding of $216,000 was provided by Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, in partnership with the federal government to convert Carew Lodge in St. John�s into a supportive housing complex.

As you know, homelessness is a major concern throughout this country. In keeping with the province�s Strategic Social Plan, our aim is to seek long-term solutions that will not only address issues like homelessness, but prevent them. This project will provide much needed accommodations for people who have difficulty finding affordable housing in the downtown area.

Many members of the House may be familiar with Carew Lodge, which is a 16-unit boarding house accommodation that had become incredibly dilapidated, and no longer met basic fire or safety codes. The Stella Burry Foundation purchased the property in 1999, and these funds will help them in converting this property into safe, affordable single unit rental properties.

This morning, I visited Carew Lodge and I was impressed with the work that the Stella Burry Foundation has done to date. I was also pleased to learn that tenants have been actively involved in designing the layout of the units to ensure it is best suited to their needs. There is no doubt that opportunities like this allow our government to lead the way and show our commitment to the development of supportive housing.

2000 05 03                                     2:25 p.m.