The City of St. John’s signed an agreement Monday with the Community Housing Transformation Centre (CHTC) that triples the funds available for affordable housing grants.
Since 2016, the city has awarded $50,000 annually in grants through its Housing Catalyst Fund for projects that produce housing solutions for people with low to moderate incomes.
The new partnership with the pan-Canadian non-profit group adds $100,000, bringing the annual grants to $150,000.
Grants will continue to fund short-term projects with a one- to two-year timeline of completion, but the maximum grant amount available to applicants will increase from $10,000 to $30,000.
Applications for the new fund are now open and will close on Nov. 27. Details are available on the city’s website.
“By working collaboratively with community groups, housing and service providers, non-profit organizations, and builders and developers, we are proud to facilitate and plan housing solutions that enhance the quality for life for our residents,” Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O’Leary, council lead on affordable housing, stated in a news release.
“With this new partnership, we increase those opportunities and build a healthier community in our city.”
The collaboration between the city and CHTC is intended for a minimum of two years, with potential for continued partnership thereafter.
Former councillor Hope Jamieson recently vacated her seat to work with as a project manager for the CHTC.
