Housing Stability

In 2009 the issue of Housing and Homelessness was highlighted by the Community Education Network as an issue that was affecting more and more individuals in Southwestern Newfoundland. CEN hosted a roundtable event to highlight the issue and has since partnered with community and government stakeholders to form the Southwestern Housing Stability Initiative (HSI).

The initiative has become part of a provincial network (NLHHN) attempting to address the issue and also facilitated research to garner feedback from individuals and service providers to determine what populations were at risk of being or becoming homeless. Although many individuals and families were struggling with acquiring and keeping homes, those among the most at-risk were individuals with complex needs, displaced youth, seniors, women in less than ideal living situations, and men leaving the correctional facility located in Stephenville.

In 2011, under this initiative and partnering with Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s (NLHC) Supportive Living program, the Housing Support Worker position was created. The role of the Housing Support Worker is to assist individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness, are at risk of homelessness or are experiencing housing instability in the local Bay St. George area.

Working collaboratively with local landlords, government and community agencies, the Housing Support Worker addresses housing issues throughout the region by providing comprehensive support, and advocating for new measure and models that serve its clients.

Other special projects spearheaded by HSI include a monthly held Community Café and an annual CBC Pancake Breakfast.

For more information:

Community Cafe, click here

NLHNN, click here