Qalipu recently partnered with the Rural Development Network (RDN) to offer engagement sessions which took place this past week in Gander, Corner Brook and Stephenville.  The intent of the sessions was to meet with Band members to gather information about housing needs and concerns and later use that information to compile statistics and data that will guide the band in program creation and assist in accessing additional housing funds.

Travis Hulan, Housing Development Officer for the band, provided some feedback about the sessions which he said were well-attended and incredibly valuable.

“It was inspiring and powerful to hear personal stories from members on their housing situations, and about homelessness in their communities.  There’s so much we can do to help and that’s exactly what we intend to do.”

Travis noted that RDN will compile the information that was collected during the sessions and provide it to the band to use.  H Qalipu will also continue working with the RDN to gather additional input from band members.  One option being explored is the recruitment of community members to collect additional data from within their communities.

“This data will support our proposals for additional funds which, based on what we heard during these sessions, and the demand we have seen for funds from Qalipu’s Emergency Housing Program, are much needed.”

The band recently announced that funding for emergency home repairs has been exhausted under high demand while it continues to offer financial support for housing set-up and short-term accommodations.

Travis explained, “The Emergency Housing Set-Up fund alleviates homelessness by providing funding of up to $2000 for things such as first and last months rent, damage deposit and other costs associated with getting a residence established.  Since the program was launched in May of this year, 49 band members have received financial support and are now housed.”

He added that many others have availed of funding under emergency short-term accommodations which provide for up to ten nights in a hotel.

For more information or to apply for the Emergency Housing Support Fund, please click here.

If you have questions or would like to provide feedback about housing in your community, please contact a member of the Housing Team:

HOUSING DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Travis Hulan
709-634-3176
thulan@qalipu.ca

HOUSING PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT YOUTH INTERN
Jason Park
709-634-0411
jpark@qalipu.ca