New fund to create housing for vulnerable P.E.I. populations
P.E.I. residents facing extra barriers to housing are the focus of new provincial-private funds announced Sept. 18.
Community-led housing projects help Islanders in need of assisted living or increased home support. The purpose of this fund is to create more affordable housing options for P.E.I.’s vulnerable popula- tions.
“Organizations across P.E.I. are developing housing solutions to meet the needs of local residents; this program provides flexible support to get more community projects completed and available,” said Reid Burke, executive director of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).
Non-profits, communitybased service organizations, municipalities and developers can now apply for financial support through the new Community Housing Fund, a partnership between the (CMHA) and the province.
Applications will be accepted until Nov. 15. More information about eligibility and how to apply can be found at www.pei. cmha.ca.
“We are very pleased with the investment of this money and to partner with the province of P.E.I. to continue providing safe and affordable housing for vulnerable Islanders,” said Reid.
The Community Housing Fund has three main categories: capacity building and research; project management and professional services; construction and development.
A selection committee made up of representatives from the province, CMHA and members of the public will review the applications and make recommendations.
“While Islanders are working together to support the affordable housing needs of our neighbours, we recognize that some Islanders have additional barriers to housing and rely on more community support,” said Ernie Hudson, minister of social development and housing.
“We want to ensure that those supports are available and that all Islanders can feel safe and secure.”