MERCIER,
QC, June 21, 2024 /CNW/ - Today, the
governments of Quebec and
Canada and the City of Mercier marked the start of
19 housing units for people living with an intellectual
disability. This project, spearheaded by the organization Chez-nous
solidaire, represents a total investment of nearly $9.3 million.
The event was attended by Marie-Belle
Gendron, Member of the National Assembly for Châteauguay, on
behalf of France-Élaine Duranceau,
Quebec Minister Responsible for
Housing; Brenda Shanahan, Caucus Chair and Member of
Parliament for Châteauguay–Lacolle; Lise Michaud, Mayor
of Mercier; and Louise Toupin McLean, Chair of
Chez-nous solidaire.
The Government of Quebec is
contributing a total of nearly $4.2 million, including more than
$1.8 million from the Société
d'habitation du Québec (SHQ), which is also securing the
mortgage loan obtained by Chez-nous solidaire. The Government of
Canada has contributed nearly
$3.7 million to the project
through the second Canada-Quebec Rapid Housing Initiative
Agreement.
The City of Mercier is providing $427,500 and the Government of Quebec is
contributing $2.3 million to
complete the project's financial package delivered through the
tripartite agreements that the City signed with the SHQ and the
Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l'Habitation.
All building tenants could potentially benefit from the Société
d'habitation du Québec's (SHQ's) Rent Supplement Program,
ensuring that they will not spend more than 25% of their income on
housing. This additional assistance is covered by the SHQ
(90%) and the City of Mercier (10%).
Quotes:
"The housing shortage especially affects vulnerable households,
and I'm certain that these 19 units will make a real
difference not only in the lives of future residents living with an
intellectual disability, but also in the lives of their parents. I
would like to thank all of our partners who collaborated toward
making this project a reality, because the key to success is
working together to build more, faster. We will continue to
innovate so that every Quebecer has a home that meets their
needs."
France-Élaine Duranceau,
Quebec Minister Responsible for
Housing
"The federal government will continue to work hard toward
ensuring that everyone in Quebec
and across Canada has a safe and
stable place to call home. We're quickly providing new affordable
housing to those who need it most across the country, thanks to
programs like the second Canada-Quebec Rapid Housing Initiative
Agreement and collaboration from all levels of
government."
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing,
Infrastructure and Communities
"I'd like to congratulate Chez-nous solidaire, an organization
that will soon be providing new living environments for people with
special needs. The outcome of the combined efforts of many partners
will ensure that the residents of these units benefit from a
healthy, affordable, safe and supervised environment in the near
future."
Marie-Belle Gendron, Member of
the National Assembly for Châteauguay
"Everyone deserves a safe place to live. Our government is proud
to help build this 19-unit project for the residents of
Mercier who need it most.
Together, we're building a community that leaves no one behind, a
community we can be proud to call home and that gives everyone a
fair chance."
Brenda Shanahan, Member of
Parliament for Châteauguay–Lacolle
"We're delighted that this project is being developed in the
City of Mercier. As mayor of a caring community, I'm confident
that the people who benefit from this housing project will be
welcomed into the neighbourhood with warmth and open arms, and that
they will be able to integrate easily."
Lise Michaud, Mayor of Mercier
"Chez-nous solidaire is an innovative project with
19 one-bedroom apartments for adults living with a mild to
moderate intellectual disability, with or without autism spectrum
disorder. They are a vulnerable group of people with the potential
to live in an apartment on their own, but in a setting that
provides supervision and stimulation. Not only will they become
tenants of their own units, they'll take ownership of their lives.
It's 'a new way of making a difference,' as Lionel Carmant
wrote."
Louise Toupin McLean, Chair of
Chez-nous solidaire
About Canada Mortgage and Housing
Corporation
As Canada's authority on
housing, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) contributes
to the stability of the housing market and financial system,
provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased
housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government,
consumers and the housing industry. CMHC's aim is that by 2030,
everyone in Canada has a home they
can afford, and that meets their needs. For more information,
follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube,
LinkedIn and Facebook.
About the Société d'habitation du
Québec
As a leader in housing, the SHQ's mission is to meet the housing
needs of Quebecers through its expertise and services to citizens.
It does this by providing affordable and low-rental housing and
offering a range of assistance programs to support the
construction, renovation and adaptation of homes, and access to
homeownership.
To find out more about its activities, visit
www.habitation.gouv.qc.ca/english.
SocietehabitationQuebec
HabitationSHQ
LinkedIn
SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)