Former Comfort Inn housing 13 people before official intake
Progress being made as province works to reopen former hotel
The former Comfort Inn’s sign is down, and 13 people are living in the province’s new transitional supportive housing initiative as transition plans are finalized.
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corp. (NLHC) took full possession of the hotel on Feb. 15, and a request for proposals for security services closed on Feb. 23.
While the facility is not yet fully staffed, existing hotel staff are working to help support the 13 people who were living at the hotel prior to Feb. 15.
INTAKE STARTING LATE MARCH
NLHC director of communications Marc Budgell said the phased intake process will start before the end of March for those who will move into the facility under the new initiative.
“There were 13 individuals in the hotel prior to full possession that continue to be supported by existing staff. Once a staff complement is in place, a formal intake process will get underway,” he said.
The facility's security contract has yet to be awarded, but it is coming, Budgell said.
The province will then provide an update on all aspects of the project as the security staff work alongside NL Health Services staff and community partners.
Saltwire contacted End Homeless NL for comment on the facility's progress, but did not receive a response by deadline.
MHA VISITING SOON
Conception Bay East-bell Island MHA Fred Hutton was announced as the new minister of Housing on Feb. 29.
Budgell said Hutton will quickly familiarize himself with all aspects of the housing portfolio, including the transitional supportive living initiative.
“It is expected that the minister will visit the facility in the near future as part of that work,” Budgell said.