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Transportation and Works
October 17, 2012

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

Labrador Women’s Shelter Benefits from Additional Funding

Libra House in Happy Valley-Goose Bay is closer to its fundraising goal to cover the cost of playground equipment, paving, and landscaping for a new women’s shelter, thanks to a $50,000 contribution from the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC).

“We are very happy to help Libra House kick-start this fundraiser,” said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister responsible for NLHC. “It was just a few weeks ago that we celebrated with them at the official sod-turning for the new shelter, and we hope this additional investment will help make this facility more comfortable for women and children in vulnerable circumstances.”

Libra House recently launched a fundraising campaign to raise $100,000 to provide for paving, landscaping, and a playground area for children at the new six-room shelter, currently under construction in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

“Our government is pleased to contribute additional funds to Libra House through the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation so that women experiencing violence and abuse will have access to a safe and welcoming living environment for themselves and their children,” said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and lead Minister for the Violence Prevention Initiative. “For those women who avail of the shelter as they flee violent situations, having access to facilities such as a play area for children will be invaluable.”

Through the Violence Prevention Initiative, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to finding long-term solutions to violence against the people who are most at risk in society, including women, children and youth. NLHC supports this goal through its victims of family violence policy, and since 1991 has helped more than 1,500 families province-wide regain control and rebuild their lives by providing safe and affordable housing options.

“This landscaping and playground project is an important one for the community and so I was pleased to give it my full support,” said Keith Russell, MHA for Lake Melville. “Libra House is an important resource, and the work done by staff and volunteers is making a difference for families, and making our neighbourhoods more supportive places to live.”

Since 1985, Libra House has provided temporary safe shelter and supports for women and children throughout Labrador who have experienced violence or abuse. Libra House offers this crisis support on a 24-hour-a-day basis.

“We are extremely grateful to the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation for this investment of $50,000,” said Janet O’Donnell, Executive Director of Libra House. “Their support enables us to continue our work, provide support, and help keep women and children safe and on the road to social and economic advancement.”

A Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador – Secure Foundations, released by the Provincial Government in August 2009, outlines a 10-year vision for social housing. It is aimed at improving the housing circumstances of low-income households and helping create healthier communities.

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Media contacts:

Jason Card
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 699-0470
jasoncard@gov.nl.ca
Tracey Boland
Communications Specialist
Women’s Policy Office
709-729-6225, 693-7938
traceyboland@gov.nl.ca

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

Tess Burke
Communications Manager
Government Members Office
709-729-3551, 699-2402
TessBurke@gov.nl.ca

Janet O’Donnell
Executive Director, Libra House
Happy Valley-Goose Bay
(709) 896-8022
librahouse@nf.aibn.com
 

2012 10 17                                 11:55 a.m.

 
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