The lives of 18 individuals changed for the better today with the official opening of the Stella Burry Community Services’ new and much-anticipated housing project located at Rawlins Cross in downtown St. John’s.
Human Resources Minister Susan Sullivan announced the province’s funding commitment to this initiative at today’s event.
“This project will provide affordable housing options for low-income single adults who constitute one of the greatest demands for social housing in the province,” Sullivan said.
The project has received a total of $1.6 million in funding from various provincial initiatives to off-set construction costs. Provincial funding of $900,000 is being provided through Newfoundland Labrador Housing under the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Affordable Housing Initiative and $216,000 under the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program.
In addition, the provincial government invested $454,000, through the Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment to help operate a housing resource centre developed by Stella Burry Community Services. The centre will provide housing support services to individuals with complex service needs, and may include eviction prevention, tenant relations and outreach housing support.
In addition, the General Council of The United Church of Canada contributed $250,000 toward the completion of the project. Incorporated under The United Church of Canada, Stella Burry Community Services provides programs in the community that reflect the social justice philosophies of the United Church.
“This is such an exciting day for us,” said Jocelyn Greene, executive director of Stella Burry Community Services.
“From the beginning, the community, the city, our staff, our board members, as well as our federal and provincial partners have all been tremendously supportive of the entire project. I know it is because people relate to the work that we, as an organization, do in this community. We all firmly believe that everyone deserves an affordable and safe place to call home; that everyone deserves opportunity and supports to be the best person that they can be. A project such as this would not be possible without that strong, unified support, for which we are incredibly grateful and blessed.”