Canadian Mortgage News

January 2004 National News Archive

Shelter Receives Federal Funding for New Facility

TORONTO, Ontario, May 12, 2004 — Interval House, Canada's first shelter for abused women and children will receive federal funding in the amount of $1.255 million, Dennis Mills, M.P. for Toronto-Danforth announced today. The funding, provided under the Shelter Enhancement Program, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, (CMHC) will be used to renovate and upgrade a new shelter facility scheduled for completion this winter.

"The Government of Canada, through CMHC, is committed to rehabilitating housing in need of repair for low income Canadians," said Mr. Mills. "This is an important part of our national affordable housing strategy to preserve and enhance existing housing. It is also an effective and responsible way of supporting sustainable development through the rehabilitation of existing buildings."

Mr. Mills noted this announcement is part of the federal government's commitment to provide approximately $104.2 million for renovation assistance in Ontario. In addition to providing funds to improve emergency shelters and transitional housing for victims of family violence, the programs also help low-income households including seniors, persons with disabilities and Aboriginal people repair their dwellings to minimum health and safety levels.

Lesley Ackrill, Executive Director of Interval House said, "With the help of CMHC funding we will be able to continue to provide a safe refuge for women and their children who are victims of violence. We look forward to the successful completion of this most worthwhile project."

The funding, provided over three years, continues RRAP's 30-year legacy of effective, flexible partnerships with provincial governments, to cost share and deliver the federal/provincial repair programs. The 2003 program renewal was based on an evaluation and national consultation on ways to enhance the program and includes program enhancements to repair and improve the accessibility of the housing stock in the province.

CMHC is Canada's national housing agency with a mandate to help Canadians gain access to safe, quality and affordable housing. CMHC supports the Canadian housing industry and improves the living conditions of Canadians through its activities in mortgage loan insurance and securitization, assisted housing, research and information transfer and the promotion of Canadian housing exports.

For more information:

Fact Sheet — Renovation Programs

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's existing renovation programs, which help low-income Canadians, were extended by $384 million.

Improvements to the federal renovation programs were implemented recently to ensure the program is more effective in serving those most in need, including low income Canadians living in substandard housing, Aboriginal people, seniors, persons with disabilities and victims of family violence. The changes were made following consultations and an extensive evaluation of the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP).

The changes include an increase in maximum program assistance levels to reflect current housing renovation costs. All assistance approved through the programs is now fully forgivable.

Improvements also include a change in the calculation of total household income in recognition of the additional costs faced by persons with disabilities.

Program Details

Rental/Rooming House RRAP
This program provides assistance to landlords of affordable housing to pay for mandatory repairs to units and beds occupied by low-income tenants. The maximum assistance available varies from $24,000 to $36,000 per unit or $16,000 to $24,000 per bed depending on geographic location.

Shelter Enhancement Program
The program assists in repairing, rehabilitating and improving existing shelters for victims of family violence; and in acquiring or building new shelters and second-stage housing where needed.

Conversion RRAP
This program provides financial assistance for the conversion of non-residential property into units or beds to create affordable housing for low-income households. The maximum assistance available varies from $24,000 to $36,000 per unit or $16,000 to $24,000 per bed depending on geographic location.

Emergency Repair Program
This program provides assistance to low-income homeowners or occupants in rural areas to undertake emergency repairs required for the continued safe occupancy of their homes. The maximum assistance available varies from $6,000 to $11,000 depending on geographic location.

RRAP for Persons with Disabilities
This program offers financial assistance to homeowners and landlords to undertake accessibility work to modify dwellings occupied or intended for occupancy by low-income persons with disabilities. The maximum assistance available depends on geographical location. For rental properties assistance varies from $24,000 to $36,000 per unit, and for homeowners and rooming-houses, assistance varies from $16,000 to $24,000.

Home Adaptations for Seniors Independence
This program provides assistance of up to $3,500 to homeowners and landlords to pay for minor home adaptations that will enable low-income seniors to live independently in their homes.

Cheque Presentation (l-r) MP Dennis Mills, Michael Young, Capital Campaign Chair, Interval House, Barbara Freedman, Interval House Chair of the Board

News source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)