Community Housing Fund applications now open

Islanders in need of affordable housing, assisted living or additional housing supports will have increased options through a continued community-led housing initiative. 

The provincial government is investing another $3 million in the Community Housing Fund, a partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), to provide a second round of funding. Non-profits, community-based service organizations, municipalities and developers can apply for support to help create more affordable housing options for islanders in need, including those in assisted living or individuals that require increased support. 

“The initial launch of the Community Housing Fund provided $3 million to fund 10 community projects; thanks to our community partners who are dedicated to serving Islanders. Through innovative and collaborative endeavors, we will continue to support Islanders facing housing challenges.”

- Brad Trivers, Minister of Social Development and Housing. 

 “We are so pleased to see this program continue for Island businesses, developers, not-for-profits and other service organizations,” says Bill Lawlor, executive director of Queens Country Residential Services (QCRS). “Through last year’s program we were able to access funding to build an accessible group home for six residents with one respite space and three apartment units. The building was completed in the fall of 2020 and is now open and fully operational. The new space has had a huge impact on the well-being of our residents.” 

Along with provincial funding through the Community Housing Fund, QCRS also received funding from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the Windsor Foundation for their new facility.  

The Community Housing Fund has three main categories: capacity building and research; project management and professional services; and construction and development. A selection committee made up of representatives from the Province, CMHA and members of the public will review the applications and make recommendations.  Previous recipients are eligible to apply but must be seeking support for a different project or within another category. 

“We are very happy to be continuing this valuable partnership with the Province. The housing situation on PEI continues to be at a crucial point especially for vulnerable Islanders seeking safe and affordable housing,” says Shelley Muzika, acting executive director, CMHA. “The Community Housing Fund will enable our partners to provide those much-needed supports within our community.”  

Backgrounder 

The Community Housing Fund has three categories:

1. Capacity Building and Research
This category of funding can be utilized to build community capacity and / or undertake necessary research to support a proposed development. Community capacity building refers to strengthening the skills and competencies of people and communities as well as local grassroots movements in order to achieve a set of goals. Maximum funding under this category is $10,000 or 75% of project costs. 

2. Project Management and Professional Services
Funding under this category can be used to hire an external resource(s) to assist with the planning process of the housing project. This could be in the areas of business, accounting, or another skill set that is not within the applicant organization. Maximum funding under this category is $50,000 or 75% of project costs. 

3. Construction and Development
Grant for the construction of a housing facility including related services for engineering and architecture (as applicable). We expect that this fund is not the sole source of construction funds and that applicants have other grants or financing in place to support construction. Eligible projects can be completely affordable or a mix of affordable and market units. Maximum funding under this category is 30% of project costs up to a $1 million contribution. 

Media contacts:
Rebecca Gass
Senior Communications Officer
Social Development and Housing
902-213-4507
rjgass@gov.pe.ca 

Lori Morris
Communications Coordinator
Canadian Mental Health Association – PEI Division 
902-628-3650
communications@cmha.pe.ca