Children, Seniors and Social Development
May 29, 2017
The following is being distributed at the request of Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation:
Federal and Provincial Government Announce Supportive Housing Investment
The governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador have invested in transitional and supportive housing for youth in Southwestern Newfoundland. Supported by the Community Education Network (CEN), the Collaborative Foundations Youth Homelessness Initiative will focus on the provision of transitional and supportive housing and wrap-around services for at-risk and homeless youth ages 18 to 30. Located in Stephenville, the initiative will be able to assist up to eight homeless youth.
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.
For this initiative, the Provincial Government, through Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, will lease a building to the CEN for a nominal fee of $1 annually. The project has also received $164,000 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.
The Community Education Network, and its Associate Organizations, the Community Action Committee Family Resource Program and the Community Youth Network, provide an array of community-based services including: prenatal support; programs for young children and their parents/caregivers; licensed preschool programs; programs for school-age youth and young adults; mental health and addiction services; adult basic education; career and employment programs; and housing support services.
Quotes
“We are very proud to partner with the Community Education Network. This group provides supports and services to youth at risk bringing about positive change for individuals and communities.”
Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
“Homelessness is an important issue that our society faces, one that cannot go unnoticed. I would like to recognize the important work that is being done to support children, youth and families by the Community Education Network for Southwestern Newfoundland Inc. This project is a great example of what can be achieved when we come together and work towards common goals.”
Gudie Hutchings
Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Tourism
Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains
“I am very pleased to see this supportive housing investment in Stephenville. It will go a long way in assisting homeless and at-risk youth in the region. This is a tremendous example of what is possible through strong partnerships and collaboration with the federal government and community organizations.”
John Finn, MHA
Stephenville – Port au Port
"This is an exciting opportunity and will help attain our goal to develop a collaborative and comprehensive continuum of support for youth who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and assist them in attaining stable housing and become self-sufficient.”
Bernice Hancock
Executive Director, Community Education Network
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Learn more
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation - www.nlhc.nf.ca
Community Education Network - //communityeducationnetwork.ca
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and @CSSD_GovNL
Media contacts
Krista Dalton
Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055, 730-5886
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
2017 05 29 3:40 p.m.