Children, Seniors and Social Development
January 23, 2017

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

Social Housing Investments Benefit Families in Labrador

New Affordable Housing for Women and Children

The Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador invested in affordable housing and supported services for victims of domestic violence and their families in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. These four new two-bedroom units will provide stable housing and related services for woman and children who have experienced domestic violence.

Yvonne Jones, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs and Member of Parliament for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), along with the Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, made the announcement today.

The Federal and Provincial Governments contributed $600,000 to this initiative through the Investment in Affordable Housing Agreement while the project also received $330,500 through the Homeless Partnering Strategy (HPS).

Since the launch of HPS, nearly 35,000 Canadians who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless have benefitted from education and training opportunities; over 34,000 have received help to find work; more than 6,000 new shelter beds have been created; and over 82,000 people received support in finding stable housing.

Since 1985, Libra House has provided safe shelter and support for women and children in Happy Valley-Goose Bay who experience family violence. Services are available 24 hours, seven days a week, along with a 24-hour crisis phone line.

Quotes:

“The peace of mind that comes with having a secure and stable home is invaluable. This is why our government is glad to support Libra House in providing women and children in Happy Valley-Goose Bay with affordable, safe and quality housing.”
- Yvonne Jones, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs and Member of Parliament for Labrador

“Libra House assists victims of violence by providing shelter and supports. These new units will enable them to provide more women and children a safe place to call home, helping them to build a stronger future for themselves with dignity and hope.”
- Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

“Libra House staff and board are very thankful for the partnerships that have facilitated the building of the Libra House Supportive Living Units. Working together, we can help to meet the needs of marginalized women and children in Labrador.”
- Dianne Climenhage, Co-Chair Libra House Board

Associated links:

CMHC has been helping Canadians meet their housing needs for more than 70 years. As Canada's authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to Canadian governments, consumers and the housing industry. Prudent risk management, strong corporate governance and transparency are cornerstones of CMHC operations. For more information, please call 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca.

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Media contacts:

Krista Dalton
Media Relations Manager
Department of Children, Seniors and
Social Development
709-729-3768, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca 		Émilie Gauduchon
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Duclos
819-654-5546
Emilie.Gauduchon@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Jenny Bowring
Manager of Corporate Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing
Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca 		Natalie Chavarie
Public Affairs Advisor
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
902-426-4262
nchavari@cmhc-schl.gc.ca

2017 01 23                              10:10 a.m.