New supportive housing in Charlottetown

CHARLOTTETOWN, Feb. 19, 2019 /CNW/ - The governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island are partnering to give victims of family violence and vulnerable young adults access to stable and affordable housing units as they transition to safer living arrangements.

Today, Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown, 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), alongside the Honourable Tina Mundy, PEI's Minister of Family and Human Services, and the Honourable Heath MacDonald, PEI's Minister of Finance announced that the provincial and federal governments are jointly making a multi-million dollar investment to construct new supportive housing units in Charlottetown.    

Expected to open in 2020, the province recently tendered the construction for a twenty-unit building in response to a need identified by community partners for additional short-term housing. These new units will offer a safe and bright place for Islanders recovering from family violence, while also receiving support services. In the same building, there will be separate units for youth receiving support from Child and Family Services to transition into adulthood. Stable housing combined with social support services offer a smoother transition to a safer home and new start in life. 

This supportive housing building will be built on existing provincial land that offers quiet green space, and is designed for maximum energy efficiency and comfort. Future residents will have a bachelor-style unit, use of a common area, and be able to access nearby shopping, transportation and other amenities.

Quotes:

"Through investments in affordable housing, our Government is providing assistance to those who need it most here in Charlottetown, and in all corners of the country. This new 20 unit transitional housing project will provide more than just safe and affordable places to live ? for the vulnerable populations including victims of family violence and youth-in-care, these units are a secure and safe place to call home, and the platform from which to build a better life."? Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown

"Set in a peaceful, natural setting these units will offer a stable, short-term home while survivors of family violence and youth aging out of the province's care take a brave next step in their lives.  We are pleased to partner with the federal government and our community partners to better respond to the needs of Islanders at vulnerable moments in their lives.  Having a safe place to stay, while accessing support services, is crucial for making a successful transition to a new start in life." ? The Honourable Tina Mundy, Minister of Family and Human Services

Quick facts:

• This supportive housing building has 20 bachelor-style units for short term stays and will be accessed through program referrals.  The construction tender will close on March 7, 2019 with the complex expected to open in 2020. 
• 1,200 new affordable units are being created across PEI over the next 2 years and will expand the existing inventory of 1,600 provincial government-owned affordable units to meet a growing demand for affordable housing for both Island seniors and families.  This is in addition to the over 650 rent supplement arrangements the province has with private landlords across the province.
• The Government of Canada is currently rolling out its National Housing Strategy (NHS), an ambitious 10-year, $40 billion plan that will create 100,000 new housing units and lift 530,000 families out of housing need, as well as repair and renew more than 300,000 housing units and reduce chronic homelessness by 50 per cent.
• The NHS is built on strong partnerships between federal, provincial and territorial governments, and on continuous engagement with others, including municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations, and the social and private sectors to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Canadians.

Associated Links:

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 all levels of Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry.  For more information, please visit cmhc.ca or follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook.

To find out more about the National Housing Strategy, visit www.placetocallhome.ca.

The Province of Prince Edward Island is laying the foundation for housing security through its five-year Housing Action Plan and collaborating with various levels of government and the community to create appropriate and affordable housing solutions.  For more information, please visit:  https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/family-and-human-services/housing-action-plan

SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation