New Partnership Results in $150,000 Housing Catalyst Fund for St. John’s

Today, the City of St. John’s signed an agreement with the Community Housing Transformation Centre that triples the funds available for affordable housing grants.

The City’s Housing Catalyst Fund, established in 2016, has awarded $50,000 annually in grants for practical and collaborative projects that produce tangible housing solutions for individuals and families with low to moderate incomes. To date, 18 community projects have been supported through the grant program.

“By working collaboratively with community groups, housing and service providers, non-profit organizations and builders and developers, we are proud to facilitate and plan housing solutions that enhance the quality for life for our residents,” said Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O’Leary, Council lead on affordable housing. “With this new partnership, we increase those opportunities and build a healthier community in our city.”

The Community Housing Transformation Centre (CHTC), a new pan-Canadian non-profit organization funded by the National Housing Strategy, works with housing organizations across the country to drive transformation, sustainability and growth in community housing. The new partnership announced today adds $100,000 to the City’s $50,000 and creates a new Catalyst Fund to improve access to and availability of affordable housing in St. John’s. Grants will continue to fund short term projects with a one to two-year timeline of completion, however the maximum grant amount available to applicants will increase from $10,000 to $30,000.

“The Centre is proud to enhance the Affordable Housing Catalyst Fund as part of an ongoing commitment to supporting growth and innovation in the community housing sector in St. John’s, and across Canada,” said  Stéphan Corriveau, Executive Director of the Community Housing Transformation Centre. “It is our hope that the financial boost to these grants will allow for a larger number of ambitious projects to be funded through the AHCF.”

The collaboration between the City and CHTC is intended for a minimum of two years with potential for continued partnership following this time period.

Applications for the new fund are now open and will close on November 27. A selection committee, including representation from the Community Housing Transformation Centre, the City of St. John’s and the Affordable Housing Working Group will review submissions based on an evaluation matrix prepared in collaboration with CHTC. Selection committee decisions will be presented to Council for approval in December.

For more information on the fund and how to apply, please visit the City’s website.

The City’s Affordable Housing Strategy commits to providing leadership, leveraging opportunities and building on partnerships to generate inclusive, affordable housing solutions. Collaborating with the Community Housing Transformation Centre to enhance the Housing Catalyst grant is in line with these commitments and supports our strategic priority to develop and deliver programs, service and public spaces that build safe, healthy and vibrant communities.