Windsor shelter benefits from renovation funding for Ontario

WINDSOR, ON, Oct. 16 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada announced renovation funding for Hiatus House as part of $73 million in federal funding being spent in Ontario over two years for renovation projects. Thanks to this funding, Hiatus House is able to undertake needed renovations to their facility.

The Honourable Diane Finley , Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC); along with Essex Member of Parliament, Jeff Watson , representatives from Hiatus House and invited guests attended the event.

"The Government of Canada is committed to providing renovation funding for low-income households, as well as supportive housing in Ontario and across Canada ," said Minister Finley. "The women and children who benefit from the services of Hiatus House in Windsor will now be able to access safer and more secure housing, and build a stronger future for themselves."

Hiatus House is a 42-bed facility that provides a safe environment for women who are victims of domestic violence and their children. Essential renovations to increase the safety and security of the women and children who access the services include window security, protecting the perimeter of the property, security cameras and fencing the playground area. Renovations to the facility will be made possible with funding of more than $288,000 through the extension of CMHC's renovation programs, including the Shelter Enhancement Program (SEP).

CMHC's Shelter Enhancement Program offers financial assistance for the repair, rehabilitation and improvement of existing shelters for women and their children, youth or men who are victims of family violence, as well as for the acquisition or construction of new shelters and second-stage housing where needed.

"The extension of CMHC's Shelter Enhancement Program has provided Hiatus House with the funding required to maintain and enhance the safety and security of our shelter so that we may continue to provide a safe haven for women and children fleeing abusive partners," said Sue McMullen, Vice-President, Board of Directors and President Elect at Hiatus House. "Over the last several years, we have been able to undertake a number of significant capital projects that we would otherwise have been unable to complete without the help of this funding."

Hiatus House has offered quality, emergency housing and support services to over 2,984 women and their children since their first shelter opened in Windsor in July 1976 . Hiatus House has been serving the Windsor-Essex community since that time.

In September 2008 , the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over the next five years to improve and build new affordable housing and help the homeless which extended the existing renovation programs for low-income households for two years.

Canada's Economic Action Plan builds on this with a one-time investment of more than $1.9 billion over two years to build new and repair existing social housing for low-income Canadians.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has been Canada's national housing agency for over 60 years. CMHC is committed to helping Canadians access a wide choice of quality, affordable homes, while making vibrant, healthy communities and cities a reality across the country.

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For further information: Michelle Bakos, Office of Minister Finley, [phone]; Nicole Burgers, Consultant, Communications & Marketing, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, [phone]; Thomas Rolfe, Executive Director, Hiatus House, [phone]