The province has unveiled a strategy to relocate current residents of a transitional housing facility in St. John’s that is scheduled to close by the year’s end. Housing minister Joedy Wall assured reporters that no individual would be left without appropriate assistance in the process.
To achieve this goal, the province has released three requests for proposals targeting housing solutions and community support services. Earlier in the year, Wall disclosed that the province would not renew the lease for Horizons at 106, a transitional housing facility run by End Homelessness St. John’s, citing cost inefficiency.
Wall reaffirmed his commitment to relocating the facility’s 59 occupants before the lease expiration on December 31. He recently outlined a plan comprising three unit types, each offering varying levels of support. The first request for proposal seeks a provider for 75 units, including 30 “light touch” units with bi-weekly in-home support visits, 25 “moderate” units with a minimum of five weekly visits, and 20 “intensive” units with round-the-clock staffing.
The selection of support levels was based on consultations between N.L. Housing Corporation staff and each resident individually. Wall emphasized the importance of tailoring support to individual needs, recognizing that everyone’s journey out of homelessness is unique.
Ten Horizons at 106 residents not requiring living assistance have already accepted NLHC units. Wall clarified that the total cost of all 75 units to the province cannot be determined until the RFP process concludes, aiming for a cost-effective approach through competitive bidding.
The province has set a deadline of September 14 for proposal submissions. Meanwhile, the executive director of End Homelessness St. John’s expressed relief at learning more about the province’s plan but highlighted the challenges and uncertainties faced by residents and staff.
The NDP Leader, Jim Dinn, raised concerns about the adequacy of support in the new plan and advocated for the expansion of non-profit community-based housing like the Ches Penney Centre of Hope. Dinn stressed the importance of providing comprehensive support to ensure residents can thrive, remain safe, and address their mental health needs.