The provincial government has unveiled a strategy to relocate individuals currently residing in a transitional housing facility in St. John’s that is scheduled to close by the end of this year. Housing minister Joedy Wall assured the public that no one would be left without proper support during this transition.
To achieve this goal, the province has initiated three requests for proposals to facilitate the provision of housing and community-based assistance. Earlier in the year, Wall disclosed that the lease for Horizons at 106, a transitional housing establishment managed by End Homelessness St. John’s, would not be renewed due to cost inefficiency.
Wall reaffirmed his commitment to relocating the facility’s 59 residents before the lease expires on December 31. He outlined a plan on Friday, introducing three categories of housing units, each offering varying levels of support.
The initial request for proposal seeks a provider for 75 units, comprising 30 “light touch” units with bi-weekly in-home support visits, 25 “moderate” units with at least five weekly visits, and 20 “intensive” units staffed around the clock. Wall emphasized the importance of tailoring support levels to individual needs, recognizing that each individual’s journey out of homelessness is unique.
Ten residents not requiring living support from Horizons at 106 have accepted units provided by the NLHC. Wall stated that the total cost of the 75 units cannot be confirmed until the completion of the RFP process, emphasizing the importance of a competitive and transparent selection process.
The province has set a submission deadline of September 14 for proposals. Concerns have been raised by Doug Pawson, the executive director of End Homelessness St. John’s, regarding the uncertainty surrounding the future support for residents post-December 31 and the impact on the existing waitlist for housing assistance.
NDP Leader Jim Dinn expressed reservations about the adequacy of support under the new plan and advocated for the expansion of non-profit community-based housing like the Ches Penney Centre of Hope to ensure individuals receive comprehensive support for their well-being and housing stability.