Transportation and Works
December 27, 2012

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

Provincial Social Housing Plan Advanced, Homes Created in 2012

Through Budget 2012: People and Prosperity, the Provincial Government’s social housing plan saw the creation of 224 new housing units and the provision of more than 1,700 rent supplements. Significant progress was made in advancing A Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador – Secure Foundations, a 10-year plan aimed at improving the housing circumstances of low-income households and helping create healthier communities. By the end of 2014, the Affordable Housing Program, with a total investment of $65 million, will have created more than 1,100 new homes in partnership with non-profit community groups and the private sector.

“I am proud to say that Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s record during 2012 shows that we have made excellent gains in increasing affordable housing options and providing housing solutions for individuals and families in greatest need throughout our province,” said the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC). “Our government remains committed to providing effective and efficient programs and services that continue to address the housing needs of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”

Budget 2012 increased the Rent Supplement Program by $1 million, bringing the total investment to $8 million. Through this program, NLHC is able to subsidize the difference between the approved market rental rate charged by private landlords and the rent paid by the tenant. The program includes approximately 130 units to help persons with complex needs through groups such as Stella Burry Community Services, and the Canadian Mental Health Association.

In 2012, more than 1,750 homeowners with low incomes were able to make renovations and repairs to their homes with help from a $6.7 million investment through the Provincial Home Repair Program. The goal of the program is to help people with low income make necessary repairs and renovations to live comfortably in their own homes. The types of repairs that can be undertaken with a loan or grant include upgrades to heating, electrical, or plumbing systems, and renovations and retrofits to structures, foundations, windows, doors, roofing, or siding.

Through the 2012 Provincial Homelessness Fund, the Provincial Government committed $870,000 to support grants to non-profit groups to help address homelessness in their communities. Over the past three years, the fund has provided 35 grants throughout the province, totalling approximately $3 million to help groups such as the Independent Living Resource Centre in St. John’s, Libra House in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Grace Sparks House in Marystown, and the Corner Brook Status of Women Council.

“Improving a person’s housing circumstance helps to improve their life,” said Minister Davis. “I am very pleased that our housing initiatives and work with community partners and the private sector are helping to make a positive difference in our communities.”

Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is the province’s largest landlord with 5,573 non-profit social housing dwellings province-wide.

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2012 12 27                                  11:45 a.m.