Governments of Canada and New Brunswick Announce Funding to Renovate Women's Shelter in Saint John

SAINT JOHN, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketwired - March 28, 2014) - Funding to assist with the repairs of twelve shelter units for pregnant or parenting young women who are homeless, at-risk of homelessness, and who may be victims of family violence was announced today in Saint John.

Rodney Weston, Member of Parliament for Saint John, on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development), along with the Honourable Dorothy Shephard, Minister of Healthy and Inclusive Communities and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Saint John-Lancaster, on behalf of the Honourable Madeleine Dubé, Minister of Social Development, made the announcement.

"Our Government is providing assistance to Canadians who need it most here in Saint John and in all corners of the country," said MP Weston. "The renovations to this building mean that pregnant or parenting young women and their children will have a safe and supportive place to live, as well as the services they need to begin a new chapter in their lives."

"First Steps is an important facility for at-risk pregnant or parenting young women and their children" said Minister Shephard. "Our government is proud to contribute funding toward community efforts that provide the support needed to help people move from homelessness to self-reliance and a better quality of life."

The 12-unit shelter provides support to pregnant or parenting women and their children who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or who may be victims of family violence. It will receive a combined financial assistance of $43,070 from both governments to assist with repairs and upgrade of the existing facility. The proponent for this shelter is First Step Housing Project Inc.

Funding for this project comes as a result of the $47 million Investment in Affordable Housing 2011-2014 Agreement between the Governments of Canada and New Brunswick. Under the agreement, New Brunswick will use the funds for new construction projects and rental subsidies.

Annually, the Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), will invest approximately $2 billion in housing. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of close to 600,000 households living in existing social housing. In New Brunswick, this represents an estimated 14,850 households. The remaining funding supports housing-related activities and affordable housing programs, including the Investment in Affordable Housing. These investments are improving the quality of life for low-income Canadians and households living in existing social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people. Economic Action Plan 2013 continues this commitment with a federal investment of more than $1.25 billion over five years to renew the Investment in Affordable Housing to 2019. The Government of Canada will ensure that funds provided to provinces and territories support the use of apprentices, which will support training of skilled labour. Close to 177,600 households across Canada are no longer in housing need as a result of funding provided under the IAH from April 1, 2011 to December 31, 2013.

These new affordable housing units are part of the New Brunswick government's strategy to rebuild New Brunswick together and enhance the quality of life of its residents. The investments made by the provincial government are helping to build and strengthen communities in New Brunswick by providing quality, affordable housing options for low-income individuals, families and seniors. For more information on affordable housing projects in New Brunswick, visit www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/social_development/housing.html.

To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca.