Community organizations receive funding for housing initiatives
Several community organizations across the province will receive funding for housing projects to help Islanders in need of assisted living, shelter and more affordable housing options.
Funding is provided through the Community Housing Fund to support initiatives for seniors, the Indigenous community, those experiencing homelessness and Islanders with intellectual and physical disabilities. For example, Inclusions East is receiving $587,019 to help build a 9-unit independent and supportive living centre in Montague.
“As Inclusions East moves forward in addressing the multiple needs of individuals in Kings County but in particular those in need of supported housing, we are very pleased to partner with the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Department of Social Development and Housing for this funding announcement,” said Nancy Anderson, executive director of Inclusions East. “The development of an Independent Living Centre addresses the residential support needs for 11 individuals with an intellectual and/or dual disability with appropriate supports to promote independent living. This model of support will add to the compliment of options and services of Inclusions East.”
The Community Housing Fund, a partnership between the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Province of PEI, provides financial support to non-profits, community-based service organizations, municipalities and the private sector to develop affordable housing projects. There are three main categories for funding: capacity building and research; project management; and construction and development.
“We are very pleased to partner with the province in this major investment for Islanders in need,” said Matt Younker, president of the Canadian Mental Health Association. “Each of these projects will have a positive impact in their respective communities by providing affordable housing for vulnerable populations and to those that require increased support.”
“We want to address the housing needs of all Islanders and in order to do that we must be open to ideas and consider a variety of housing solutions that help support safe, affordable, accessible housing. By working together with our housing partners we are helping to support strong and vibrant communities for the people of our province.”
- Ernie Hudson, Minister of Social Development and Housing.
A call for applications was made in September 2019. In total, the fund is providing $3 million to support investments in housing.
Backgrounder
Blooming House Women’s Shelter Inc., $25,000
Blooming House provides safe, overnight shelter for women in Prince Edward Island. This shelter serves as a low-barrier, harm-reduction, safe space open to any woman over the age of 19 or anyone who identifies as a woman.
This funding will help to hire a part-time executive director to assist in expanding services and develop a five-year strategic plan for Blooming House.
Cymbria Lions Club, $541,656
Since receiving its charter in 1974, the Cymbria Lions Club has been a leader in charitable endeavours servicing the Oyster Bed Bridge, Wheatley River, Cymbria and Rustico area.
This funding will support the construction of a 12-unit affordable housing development for seniors in the Community of South Rustico on land next to the existing Lions Club Community Centre.
Harbourview Training Centre, $420,925
Harbourview Training Centre is a non-governmental organization located in Souris which provides employment and job training as well as a broad range of support services for clients with an intellectual disability.
This funding will support Harbourview to build supportive housing for 10-12 individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Harvest House, $55,000
Harvest House PEI’s mission is to offer a variety of programs for men and women who struggle with addictions and unhealthy lifestyles by providing life skills training, education and spiritual well-being. Since 1998, Harvest House has operated an outreach centre in Charlottetown.
This funding will support Harvest House to renovate its current second floor to provide transitional housing for homeless men in collaboration with Bedford-MacDonald House.
Inclusions East, $587,019
Inclusions East supports individuals with an intellectual disability and/or dual disabilities to enhance their quality of life and help them contribute and participate in all aspects of community life.
This funding will support the construction of new independent living and a small options apartment for persons with intellectual disabilities. The residential units (eight 1-bedroom and one 3-bedroom) will be located in Montague.
Native Council of PEI, $50,000
The Native Council of PEI (NCPEI) is the self-governing authority for Indigenous peoples residing off-reserve and represents the rights, needs and interests of status and non-status Mi’kmaq, Metis and Inuit peoples off-reserve in Prince Edward Island.
This funding will provide pre-construction support to NCPEI in its work to develop a 20-unit facility to service off-reserve Indigenous community members that need temporary housing support.
Parkdale Sherwood Lions Club, $750,000
The Parkdale Sherwood Lions Club is a fellowship of volunteers who give their time, assistance and money to help individuals and groups who need it.
This funding will support the construction of 32 affordable housing units (26 1-bedroom and 6 2-bedroom) for seniors in Sherwood.
PEI Council of People with Disabilities, $50,000
The PEI Council of People with Disabilities (PEICOD) provides programs and services for Islanders living with disabilities with a mission to promote the full participation and inclusion of people with disabilities in Island society.
PEICOD is partnering with Atlantic Canada Regional Council of Carpenters, Millwrights and Allied Workers (ACRC) in an effort to build both affordable and accessible homes and a training facility for current and future carpenters in one space.
This funding will provide pre-construction support to research and develop the project design.
Queens County Residential Services, $398,800
Queens County Residential Services (QCRS) is a non-profit organization providing day programming, employment supports, respite care and residential services and supports for persons with intellectual disabilities.
This funding will support QCRS to build a new accessible home for six residents and one respite unit.
Town of Stratford, $50,000
The Towns of Cornwall and Stratford and City of Charlottetown are recommending a land use planning and housing policy study.
This funding will support the development of that study.
Media contacts:
April Gallant
Senior Communications Officer
Department of Social Development and Housing
902-620-3409
aldgallant@gov.pe.ca
Lori Morris
Communications Coordinator
CMHA PEI
902-628-3650
communications@cmha.pe.ca