Newfoundland and Labrador transitions Horizons at 106 residents to community housing

The Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation has issued three requests for proposals (RFPs) to transition residents from the Horizons at 106 facility to community-based supportive housing. The current contract for the facility is scheduled to expire on December 31.

The RFPs seek providers for three distinct levels of care: 30 units with light-touch case management, 25 units with moderate case management, and 20 units providing intensive 24/7 staffed response. Successful operators will also assist with intake for individuals currently in the emergency shelter system.

Housing Minister Joedy Wall stated that the new approach aims to support current residents while addressing needs within the emergency shelter system, expressing confidence that the process will yield the “best-cost option.” This follows an auditor general report indicating that Horizons 106 was “underused” and cost more than previously reported.

NDP Leader Jim Dinn expressed concerns regarding the availability of supports and the potential for services to be provided by for-profit entities, suggesting that non-profit models used in other provinces should be considered.