Changes to the Prince Edward Island home renovation programs will more than double the number of Islanders who will benefit, says Minister of Family and Human Services Doug Currie.
“We have increased access to the program because we believe that every Islander deserves adequate and affordable housing,” said Minister Currie. “Through changes in the way applications to the home renovation programs are evaluated, our government is helping Islanders who need assistance the most to achieve those goals.”
In response to requests, the Department of Family and Human Services has redesigned the program to increase access for those who need support the most. In the past, applications were approved on a first-come, first served basis.
The program will provide assistance for Islanders to renovate their homes. Those with an income of up to $35,000 and whose property value is assessed at $145,000, or less, are eligible. Applications will be prioritized based on income. Islanders who qualify can receive a lifetime grant up to $6,000 or up to $8,000 for a renovation required to accommodate a permanent disability.
“Our department is providing Islanders with the opportunity to gain greater security and independence for their families by helping them undertake needed renovations to their homes,” said Family and Human Services Minister Currie. “We believe that the changes to the program will better respond to the needs of those with lower incomes.”
Applications for the programs will be accepted starting today, October 28, and will close at 5:00 pm on Friday, November 13, 2015. Another round of applications will take place in the spring of 2016. Those who do not receive funding during this round and who still meet the requirements will not have to reapply.
Funding for the PEI Home Renovation Programs is provided in partnership with the Province of Prince Edward Island and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation through the Agreement for Investment in Affordable Housing. More information on the PEI Home Renovation Programs and other renovation programs offered by the Province is available at www.gov.pe.ca/go/housing.
Broadcast Version:
Changes to the PEI Home Renovation Programs will more than double the number of Islanders who can benefit from the programs.
Islanders with an income of up to $35,000 and whose property value is assessed at $145,000, or less, are eligible. Applications will be prioritized based on income. Islanders who qualify can receive a lifetime grant up to $6,000 or up to $8,000 for a renovation required to accommodate a permanent disability.
Applications for the program will be accepted starting today and will close at 5 pm on Friday, November 13, 2015.
- 30 -
For more information contact:
Maureen Flanagan-LeClair
Sr. Communications Officer
Family and Human Services
Mxflanagan-leclair@gov.pe.ca
902-620-3409
Visit our web site at http://www.gov.pe.ca/
Backgrounder
This government is committed to help every Islander achieve a fulfilling and rewarding life. The Department of Family and Human Services is providing Islanders with the opportunity to gain greater security and independence for their families by helping make necessary renovations to their homes through the PEI Home Renovation Programs.
PEI Home Renovation Programs:
We had a great deal of feedback from the public after the last two rounds of applications to the PEI Home Renovation Programs (PEIHRP). Government heard what Islanders had to say and has made a number of changes to the programs to simplify and streamline the process while improving access.
The restructuring of the PEIHRP will increase access to the programs by 133 percent and ensure that funds are going to those who need assistance the most. In previous intakes of the programs, funding would accommodate approximately 75 individuals, now, with the redesign of the programs, approximately 175 Islanders will be able to benefit from the PEIHRP.
The PEIHRP is made up of two programs. The first is the Renovation Program, which provides a lifetime grant of up to $6,000 to those who qualify to help with the cost of electrical, structural, heating, plumbing and fire safety renovations. The second program is the Renovation Program for Persons with Disabilities. This program provides a lifetime grant of up to $8,000 to individuals with a permanent disability, who qualify for the program, for renovations to accommodate their disability.
Eligibility Requirements:
A number of changes have been made to the eligibility requirements for the PEIHRP.
The new eligibility requirements include:
Annual household income of $35,000 or lower;
Property value is $145,000 or less;
Property tax payments are no more than one year in arrears;
The property is the applicant’s principal residence;
The applicant has owned the property for three years or more; and
The applicant has not received the maximum grant from previous applications to the PEI Home Renovation Programs.
Application Process:
Applications will be accepted beginning October 28 and will close at 5:00 pm on November 13, 2015. Assessment of all applications will begin after the closing date on November 13. Applications will be assessed and lower income applicants will have first priority.
The Department of Family and Human Services has redesigned the PEIHRP to ensure an easier and more streamlined application process. Application forms are available online at www.gov.pe.ca/go/housing or at any of the following locations:
PEI Home Renovation Programs - Housing Services; Sherwood Business Centre; 161 St. Peters Road, Charlottetown
The following Access PEI locations:
Charlottetown, 33 Riverside Drive
Souris, 15 Green Street
Alberton, 116 Dufferin Street
Montague, 41 Wood Islands Road
O’Leary, 45 East Drive
Summerside, 120 Heather Moyse Drive
Tignish, 103 School Street
Wellington, 48 Mill Road
Those who qualify for the programs, and who have submitted their applications by the closing date will be notified, in writing, by the department as to the status of their application. A second intake will occur in spring, 2016 and those who do not receive funding during the first application process, but still meet the requirements of the program, will not have to re-apply.
Other Home Renovation Programs for Islanders:
The PEIHRP is a separate program from the Senior’s Home Repair Program and the Seniors Safe @ Home Program. The PEIHRP does not consider an applicant’s age when assessing eligibility for the program. However, those who have received a grant from the PEIHRP will not qualify for a grant from the Senior’s Home Repair Program for two years.
More information about the programs and services offered by the province to help those with renovation needs can be found at www.gov.pe.ca/go/housing.