The federal government is dishing out $5-million for the construction of new affordable housing units in the Capital City.

MP Seamus O’Regan says one homeless person is too many. That’s why the federal government is providing the City of St. John’s with the funds through the expanded Rapid Housing Initiative to build 14 new affordable housing units in St. John’s, within a 12-month period.

The units will support the most vulnerable, those in uncertain housing situations, experiencing or at the risk of homelessness, or living in temporary shelters due to the pandemic.

City of St. John’s Deputy Mayor, Sheilagh O’Leary says 25 per cent of the funding will be set aside to help women and mothers.

O’Regan calls it another great day for the province.

The units will all be built in St. John’s. The City will issue a Request for Proposals in the coming days, and is seeking partnerships with non-profits and charitable housing producers who have affordable housing projects ready to go.

City will be launching a Request for Proposals in the coming days.

O’Leary says 25% of $5M funding will go towards specific housing for women and children. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/6RhKFJTdgq

— Ben Murphy (@VOCMBen) July 29, 2021