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Executive Council
Transportation and Works
November 15, 2012

The following is being distributed at the request of Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation:

2012-13 Provincial Homelessness Fund Recipients Announced

An investment of approximately $870,000 through the Provincial Homelessness Fund will enable 10 non-profit organizations to improve services for those at risk of homelessness throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and MHA for Virginia Waters, announced the funding to recipients at the Independent Living Resource Centre in St. John’s today. Premier Dunderdale was joined by the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation.

“This government is proud to support our non-profit community partners working to combat homelessness and poverty, and the Provincial Homelessness Fund is one of the ways we provide that support,” said Premier Dunderdale. “The organizations represented here today are making a real difference in our communities, and in the lives of individuals who are at risk of homelessness.”

Since 2009, 43 grants totalling nearly $4 million have been provided through the Provincial Homelessness Fund to 33 non-profit organizations throughout the province. Under the program, registered non-profit groups can receive up to $200,000 in a given fiscal year. The funding assists with the costs of developing space for support services to provide on-site outreach, and promote housing stability for those at risk of homelessness.

“The Provincial Homelessness Fund supports the goals of the 2009 Provincial Social Housing Plan, which is aimed at helping people who are vulnerable to homelessness and poverty,” said Minister Davis. “This annual fund provides investment that supports the goals of the plan, and also our partners who are creating and maintaining housing and supportive services in communities across the province.”

As well, eligible non-profit groups may qualify for funding of up to $20,000 towards the purchase of commercial appliances including dishwashers, stoves and refrigerators. This would help groups who operate soup kitchens, food banks or similar programs. Non-profit groups who do not own the property they are proposing to renovate may be eligible for a maximum of $25,000 for renovations.

The Independent Living Resource Centre (ILRC), which received $50,000, supports people with disabilities by offering a wide range of resources including advocacy, peer support, volunteerism, networking, and adaptive technology.

“This funding will help the ILRC to improve and expand services to persons with disabilities in the province,” said Cecilia Carroll, Board Chairperson, ILRC. “The funding will allow the ILRC to leverage additional support to enhance this facility, improve accessibility, and more appropriately support programs and services for persons with disabilities.”

A list of 2012-13 Provincial Homelessness Fund recipients is provided in the attached backgrounder.

A Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador - Secure Foundations, released by the Provincial Government in August 2009, outlines a long-term vision for social housing. It is aimed at improving the housing circumstances of people with low incomes 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.

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Media contacts:

Lynn Hammond
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
lynnhammond@gov.nl.ca
Debbie Marnell
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
709-729-4304, 697-3128
debbiemarnell@gov.nl.ca

Jason Card
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 699-0470
jasoncard@gov.nl.ca

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

Wayne Penney,
Executive Director
Independent Living Resource Centre
709-722-4031
waynepenney@ilrc-nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER
Provincial Homelessness Fund 2012-13

PROJECT COMMUNITY FUNDING
Grace Sparkes House Marystown $200,000
Iris Kirby House St. John’s $200,000
Andrew’s Place St. John’s $200,000
NL Housing and Homelessness Network St. John’s $50,000
Gathering Place St. John’s $50,000
Independent Living Resource Centre St. John’s $50,000
Peter’s Foundation St. John’s $30,000
Burin Peninsula Housing and Homelessness Committee Marystown $25,000
St. John’s Status of Women Council St. John’s $14,100
Libra House Happy Valley-Goose Bay $50,000

2012 11 15               2:45 p.m.

 
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