NLIS 53
March 21, 2002
(Municipal and Provincial Affairs)


Social Housing Spending

Oliver Langdon, minister responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC), today announced that government will continue to support social housing in the province. Approximately, $91.7 million will be spent through NLHC in support of social housing program activities. Under the Canada/Newfoundland Social Housing Agreement, the federal government will contribute $54.8 million in block funding to support these programs.

In 2002-2003, NLHC will spend approximately $72.3 million to assist families and individuals access, suitable and affordable housing. The corporation owns and operates approximately 6,000 non-profit social housing units throughout the province which provide affordable rental housing to about 18,000 people. This portfolio enables low-income families, individuals and seniors to obtain housing which may not be available to them in the private market and ensures rental costs do not exceed more than 25 to 30 per cent of their monthly income. In addition, NLHC will provide $8.9 million in assistance to 5,100 community-based housing units throughout the province.

"As well as providing suitable and affordable rental housing, the corporation will spend another $10.5 million under the Provincial Home Repair Program to assist low-income homeowners with critical repairs to their homes," said the minister. Under this program, some 3,100 households are assisted annually. Funding for the Provincial Home Repair Program (PHRP) is allocated in the form of $7.5 million in grants and the remaining $3 million in repayable loans. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation�s (CMHC) contribution to this program will be $6 million.

Above and beyond this funding, the corporation will continue working with the communities, housing committees, and other agencies to deliver additional housing and renovation funding to the communities of Nain, Hopedale, Makkovik, Rigolet and Postville, as part of government�s three-year Northern Coastal Labrador Strategic Initiative. This coming year will see the conclusion of the $7.7 million housing component of this capital program. In its first year, the initiative provided 18 families with new homes and another 56 houses were repaired and renovated to suit the needs of the homeowners. Housing delivery at the end of the second year, will see another 25 new homes completed and renovations to 34 households.

Media contact:

Jenny Bowring, NLHC Communications, (709) 724-3055
Lynn Hammond, MPA Communications, (709) 729-1983

2002 03 21                             3:30 p.m.


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