More investments in housing support for Islanders

Additional investments in rental support will provide greater stability and security for low-income Islanders and seniors. 

Today, the Government of Prince Edward Island announced an additional $2 million investment for mobile rental vouchers to help Islanders in need. This is above the $2.2 million increase in rental supports in the 2019 operating budget. The funding will allow eligible Islanders greater freedom to choose housing that meets their specific needs. 

“Too many Islanders are struggling to find affordable, adequate and suitable living arrangements for themselves and their families. While the province is working with community partners, private developers and governments to address housing challenges, we recognize that new builds take time and we need to be responsive to the current and immediate needs of Islanders.”

- Hon. Ernie Hudson, Minister of Social Development and Housing

The new funding will help Islanders bridge the gap between what they can afford to pay and actual housing costs. Islanders qualifying for assistance have their rental rate reduced to 25 per cent of their household income. Currently, over 800 Islanders have rental support agreements in place with the province. The new funding will support an additional 600  mobile rental vouchers by the end of the fiscal year.

“As a government, we recognize the important role housing has on the physical and mental health and overall well-being of Islanders,” said Minister Hudson. “We will continue to make investments in the people of this province so that everyone has the ability to succeed.”

For more information on eligibility and to apply, visit Housing Assistance.

Media contact:
April Gallant
Department of Social Development and Housing
902-620-3409
aldgallant@gov.pe.ca

Backgrounder 

The Housing Action Plan for Prince Edward Island (2018-2023) includes the creation of 1,000 affordable housing units over four years. 

Action to-date: 

• Announcement of 311 new family and senior units in communities across the province in partnership with community organizations, private developers and federal and municipal governments;
• Another approximately 100 new family and senior units currently in discussion; 
• Over 800 rent support agreements in place (550 new in the past year.)
• New funding will support 600 new mobile rental vouchers by the end of the fiscal year.