Advanced Education and Skills
December 31, 2013

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

Affordable Social Housing for Strong Communities

Minister Acknowledges NLHC’s Accomplishments for 2013

In 2013, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) continues to provide affordable and innovative social housing to families, seniors, and single adults with low incomes, as well as persons with disabilities and persons with complex needs. Along with 5,556 affordable rental units province-wide, NLHC provided 1,732 rent supplements in 2013 valued at $8 million to help people afford private landlord rents.

“NLHC has had another successful year in the delivery of our core housing programs, and the continuing upgrade of our provincial social housing portfolio. Through programs such as the Provincial Homelessness Fund and the Supportive Living Program, we have also been able to provide increased housing options throughout the province, helping to improve the quality of life for many individuals and families.”
- The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister Responsible for NLHC

NLHC's 2013 highlights include:

• The Affordable Housing Program provided $13.6 million to 34 non-profit and private-sector partners to create another 244 new housing units for seniors and persons with disabilities, including 71 accessible units.
• $10-million in renovations completed or nearing completion on approximately 450 rental units province-wide, bringing to 75 per cent the ratio of units that have received exterior renovations and are in good shape.
• The Provincial Home Repair Program provided $10.4 million comprising 2,327 grants and 392 loans to help mostly rural homeowners make renovations and repairs necessary to maintain and remain in their homes.
• The Supportive Living Program provided $3.9 million in grants to 26 non-profit community-based projects that helped individuals with complex needs find housing and maintain long-term housing stability.
• Reconfigurations continued, a $177,000 remodelling of a unit in St. John’s from an existing three-bedroom unit into two new units comprising a two-bedroom home and a single bedroom apartment.
• The Home Modification Program provided $2.5 million to help 400 homeowners with low-to-moderate incomes make accessibility modifications to their homes.
• The Provincial Homelessness Fund provided $1.2 million to help 17 non-profit groups improve services for the homeless and those at risk of homelessness.

“Moving forward in the New Year, I have great confidence that we will build on our success of the past year and work with our valued partners to continue developing  solutions and options which will help provide safe and affordable homes to those most vulnerable.”
- Minister O’Brien

QUICK FACTS

• Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) is providing affordable social housing options to families, seniors, and single adults with low incomes, as well as persons with disabilities and persons with complex needs, throughout the province.
• NLHC is the province’s largest landlord, with 5,556 affordable rental units province-wide.
• Approximately 1,732 rent supplements valued at $8 million were provided in 2013 to help households afford private landlord rents, including 130 first-time supplements to the Canadian Mental Health Association and Stella Burry for persons with complex needs.
• By the end of the current Investment in Affordable Housing Agreement, March 2014, a total of 1,117 affordable units will have been created throughout the province.
• In the 2012-13, 16,300 households received direct assistance through NLHC’s programs and services.

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2013 12 31                                        10:45 a.m.