August 17, 2011
The following is being distributed at the request of Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation:
Enhanced Provincial Government Commitment Reduces Wait List for Home Repair Program
Additional Provincial Government funding for the Provincial Home Repair Program over the past five years has reduced the program’s wait list from approximately 4,700 applicants in 2007 to 2,000 applicants in 2011. An additional investment of $12 million over three years through Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador will enable Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation to continue supporting individuals’ needs throughout the province to an even greater extent.
“It is evident that the increased provincial funding in recent years is helping reduce the wait list and enabling the Provincial Home Repair Program to serve more clients more quickly,” said the Honourable Darin King, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. “The continued success of the program has been pivotal in helping low-income seniors, who make up the majority of recipients, stay in their own homes when they can do so.”
The addition $12 million commitment in Budget 2011 brings the Provincial Government’s total investment over the next three years to $24 million. Added to the extended federal contribution of $12 million from the $41 million Investment Affordable Housing 2011-14 Framework Agreement announced recently (Tuesday, August 16), the Provincial Home Repair Program’s overall budget is now $36 million.
“This funding will go a long way in addressing the current wait list for the Provincial Home Repair Program,” said Minister King. “It will support residents from all corners of Newfoundland and Labrador, and will advance our government’s commitment to providing support for residents with income of $32,500 or less.”
A Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador - Secure Foundations, released in August 2009, outlines a long-term vision for social housing, which is supported by the investment highlighted today. The plan is aimed specifically at improving the housing circumstances of low-income households and helping to create healthier communities.
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Media contacts:
| Bradley Power Director of Communications Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment 709-729-0753, 699-5707 bradleypower@gov.nl.ca |
Jenny Bowring Manager, Communications Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation 709-724-3055 jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca |
BACKGROUNDER
Outline Overview of Provincial Home Repair Program
The Provincial Home Repair Program has served approximately 2,500 low-income households annually over the past two years. On average, applicants are approximately 61 years of age with annual household incomes of $16,000 to $17,000, and reside in homes that are approximately 40 years old.
A maximum grant of $5,000 is available to homeowners on the island, while in Labrador a maximum grant of $6,500 is available. Homeowners whose repairs exceed these levels may apply for a low-interest repayable loan of up to $10,000 ($13,000 in Labrador).
The types of repairs that can be untaken with a Provincial Home Repair Program loan or grant include upgrades to heating, electrical or plumbing systems, and renovations and retrofits to deteriorated structures, foundations, windows, doors, roofing or siding.
Applicants are addressed on a first-come, first-served basis. However, priority is given to emergency repairs.
Applicants must be homeowners with annual incomes of $32,500 or less.
More information on this program can be found by visiting: www.nlhc.nl.ca/phrp/phrp.html.
2011 08 17 9:30 a.m.