CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Many Islanders from quite different walks of life share the same urgent, common need: a suitable place to live.
Close to $3 million in funding is being spread among 10 community organizations seeking to help Islanders in need of assisted living, shelter and more affordable housing.
The Community Housing Fund, a partnership between the Canadian Mental Health Association and the province, is providing the money to support initiatives for seniors, the Indigenous community, people experiencing homelessness and Islanders with intellectual and physical disabilities.
“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,’’ said Social Development and Housing Minister Ernie Hudson.
“By working together with our housing partners, we are helping to support strong and vibrant communities for the people of our province.’’
Parkdale Sherwood Lions Club is receiving the largest amount of money from the Community Housing Fund – $750,000 to support the construction of 32 affordable housing units, including 26 one-bedroom and six two-bedroom units, for seniors in Sherwood.
“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."
-Nancy Anderson, Inclusions East
Inclusion East is getting close to $600,000 to support the construction of residential units in Montague for persons with intellectual disabilities.
“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,’’ said Nancy Anderson, executive director of Inclusions East.
The Cymbria Lions Club is receiving just over $540,000 to support construction of a 12-unit affordable housing development for seniors in South Rustico.
Funding of $420,925 will support Harbourview Training Centre to build supportive housing for 10 to 12 individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Queens County Residential Services will use almost $400,000 in funding to help build a new accessible home for six residents and one respite unit.
Harvest House is getting $55,000 to put towards renovations to provide transitional housing for homeless men in collaboration with Bedford-MacDonald House.
Three organizations are receiving $50,000 each from the Community Housing Fund. The Native Council of P.E.I. will use the funding to provide pre-construction support to develop a 20-unity facility to service off-reserve Indigenous community members that need temporary housing. The P.E.I. Council of People with Disabilities will use $50,000 in funding to provide pre-construction support to research and develop the project design of affordable and accessible homes and a training facility for carpenters. The Town of Stratford will use the same amount of funding to develop a land use planning and housing policy study.
Blooming House Women’s Shelter Inc. is receiving $25,000 to help hire a part-time executive director to assist in expanding services and develop a five-year strategic plan.
