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

NLHC Supports New Stella Burry Community Services Project

Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) continues to support the work of Stella Burry Community Services with a $50,000 investment toward a six-unit apartment complex. The contribution will help the organization purchase the complex to help provide more affordable housing options for individuals struggling with poverty, mental health issues and other challenges.

“The Provincial Government, through various departments and agencies, such as Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, has been a long-time supporter of Stella Burry Community Services and their outstanding work,” said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. “One of the main goals of our Provincial Housing Plan - Secure Foundations, is to strengthen partnerships, and work collaboratively with community stakeholders to provide increased housing options to people who need them. We are proud to be partners with Stella Burry Community Services, and together we hope to continue making positive, enduring changes to help people with complex needs who may face barriers when trying to obtain safe and stable housing.”

Over the past decade, NLHC has also provided $5.4 million to Stella Burry Community Services through its various programs, such as the Rental Rehabilitation Assistance Program, the Affordable Housing Program and the Provincial Homelessness Fund. In addition, NLHC now provides 69 rent supplement units to the organization to help address the barriers faced by persons with complex needs when they seek housing.

The addition of the six-unit apartment complex will bring the total number of units owned by Stella Burry Community Services to 67. A leader in the development of affordable housing in Newfoundland and Labrador, the organization also manages 91 other units on behalf of the City of St. John’s and private landlords. Stella’s Circle also provides counselling, employment and training programs to assist some of the most disadvantaged members of the community.

“With the escalating costs of housing and low vacancy rates in the area, it is very difficult for people on low incomes to find secure housing,” said Jocelyn Greene, Executive Director of Stella Burry Community Services. “We know that most people cannot address other issues until they have safe, stable housing. We commend this government for their commitment to the creation of affordable housing, which is essential for those in our community who are struggling with poverty, mental health issues and a range of other challenges to get back on their feet.”

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 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador also allocated $25.9 million for social housing infrastructure, including $10.4 million for maintenance and $12 million for renovations and improvements

NLHC is the province’s largest landlord with approximately 5,573 non-profit social housing dwellings province-wide.

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2012 03 23                               11:55 a.m.