Transportation and Works
November 16, 2012

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

Federal and Provincial Partners Tour Habitat for Humanity Construction Site

Today was an exciting day for two families in Paradise, as they joined Federal and Provincial Government partners for a construction site tour of their soon to be completed Habitat for Humanity homes. An investment of $170,000, equally cost-shared by the Federal and Provincial Governments through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Agreement for Investments in Affordable Housing 2011-2014, was provided for the two homes. The funding is administered through Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC).

“Our government is dedicated to working in partnership with organizations like Habitat for Humanity to create safe, affordable housing because that in turns supports healthy, sustainable communities all across Canada,” said the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). “I am delighted that the investments in Paradise will make a real difference in the lives of two families, creating homes that they can proudly call their own.”

“I am pleased to see this important build in Paradise, which will make the dream of home ownership a reality for two families,” said the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. “The Provincial Government values its partnership with Habitat for Humanity, a tremendous organization that has been helping families access affordable housing for years, and is proud to have played a role in making this project a reality.”

By the end of 2012, the Federal and Provincial Governments will have contributed almost $1.2 million in funding to Habitat for Humanity homes for people with low-to-moderate incomes. Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation has also contributed land and or labour toward 41 Habitat for Humanity builds throughout the province, since 1994.

“We have built many Habitat for Humanity homes through much hard work and the generous support of our partners, however the greatest reward for all comes on the day our partner families get to move in and begin their new lives as homeowners,” said Raelene Lee, Chair of the Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity Newfoundland and Labrador. “We at Habitat for Humanity Newfoundland and Labrador are excited about the future for these families and are inspired by the commitment of all partners and volunteers who have been involved in this, and each new build we accomplish.”

A key objective for the Provincial Government is to stimulate the development of affordable rental housing by the private, public and non-profit sectors. A priority is placed on developing rental housing for persons with disabilities, seniors and people who require supports to live independently in the community. This work is in keeping with A Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador - Secure Foundations, released by the Provincial Government in August 2009, which 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. A copy of the social housing plan is available at www.nlhc.nl.ca/SocialHsingPlan/report.pdf.

The Government of Canada, through CMHC, will invest approximately $2 billion in housing this year. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of almost 605,000 households living in existing social housing. In Newfoundland and Labrador, this represents some 12,250 households. These investments are improving the quality of life for Canadians with low incomes and households living in existing social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants, and Aboriginal people.

To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca.

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2012 11 16                                 11:45 a.m.