by Stacy Dunn
While The Employment Journey on PEI provides a wide array of information on employment programs and services, we understand if a person is experiencing a barrier in housing, their ability to find or maintain employment may be hindered.
Government of PEI supports
Island families and individuals with low incomes, poor housing conditions, or other special circumstances who may not otherwise be able to obtain adequate housing may be eligible for the Family Housing Program. Most families pay 25 percent of their income for rent.
In the PEI Home Renovation Program, eligible applicants may receive up to a maximum of $6,000 for eligible renovations to the structure, heating, plumbing, and electrical systems or to improve the structure’s safety. In the case of an applicant with a permanent disability, up to a maximum of $8,000 may be available if the renovations improve the accessibility of the house.
For information on the Family Housing Program, visit www.princeedwardisland.ca and search Housing Assistance. For the PEI Home Renovation Program, search Home Renovation.
If you rent, The Tenant Support Centre, operated through Community Legal Information, has a Tenant Support Worker who delivers workshops on tenants’ rights and responsibilities. This person also provides legal information, referrals, and support to tenants during the rental hearing process.
View a list of resources for renters at www.rentingpei.ca
Anyone in need of emergency shelter in the province should call the shelter support line at 1-833-220-4722 or call or text 211. The following is a list of PEI organizations that provide community-based housing:
New Roots provides Supportive Transitional Housing at a single site location and scattered sites (rental units in the community). It is a yearlong program with considerations for shorter or longer stays based on individual circumstances.
Supportive Transitional housing refers to a supportive – yet temporary – type of accommodation that is meant to offer structure, guidance, intentional support for mental and physical wellness, social and life skills development.
The New Roots Program is time limited accommodation to bridge the gap from homelessness to permanent housing. The program assists Participants by collaboratively creating successful tenancies and healthier communities.
Referrals must be sent to the Provincial Housing Navigator at housingnavigator@gov.pe.ca
If you would like further information, please contact Rae Sherren, Program Supervisor, at 902-367-0975 or rae.sherren@salvationarmy.ca
Community Outreach Centre drop-in outreach centre for individuals experiencing homelessness in Charlottetown: 902-367-3884.
Park Street Emergency Shelter overnight shelter for adults experiencing homelessness in Charlottetown: 1-833-220-4722.
Bedford MacDonald House men’s shelter in Charlottetown: 902-892-9242
Blooming House women’s shelter in Charlottetown: 902-213-9969
Deacon House overnight shelter for adult men with addictions in Charlottetown: 902-368-4036
Anderson House emergency shelter for women and children experiencing violence in Charlottetown: Crisis line: 902-892-0960. Toll-free: 1-800-240-9894
Chief Mary Bernard Memorial Women’s Shelter for women and children on Lennox Island. Toll-free: 1-855-297-2332