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

Minister Participates in Housing and Homelessness Discussions

Port Blandford was host to workshops and discussions surrounding housing needs in the province this week, as the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing and Homelessness Network (NLHHN) held its third annual conference. The Honourable Paul Davis, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC), took part in the discussion and congratulated participants from across Newfoundland and Labrador for their contributions.

“It is very valuable to have people from so many different regions coming together to discuss the unique challenges they face in their areas with housing and homelessness,” said Minister Davis. “Our government’s ongoing work with the people who are living and working with this important issue will help improve our policies and programming. Their work is beneficial to many, and their input is essential.”

The NLHHN was created to bring together community-based service providers, municipal, provincial, and federal departments and agencies, and representatives of persons at risk of homelessness, who are committed to working collaboratively on issues related to homelessness and housing.

Since 2009, the Provincial Government has provided $337,500 to the NLHHN through the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s Provincial Homelessness Fund and Supportive Living Program. Part of this investment will enable the NLHHN to develop a training and social enterprise centre in St. John’s, which will be used to raise awareness and promote skills development throughout the province with respect to housing and homelessness issues.

“We were delighted to welcome Minister Davis as the new Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing,” says Sheldon Pollett, Co-chair of the NLHHN. “Newfoundland and Labrador Housing has been a pillar of support for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing and Homelessness Network, and we look forward to working together in our common cause of fighting homelessness and poverty in the province.”

Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is an active participant in the NLHHN conference, in keeping with the goals of the Provincial Government’s 10-year Provincial Social Housing Program - Secure Foundations, released in August 2009. One of the strategic directions of the plan emphasizes the importance of community-based groups and government partners working together.

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2012 10 24             11:45 a.m.