New Affordable Seniors’ Housing Units Set to Open in Happy Valley-Goose Bay

The Happy Valley-Goose Bay Housing and Homelessness Coalition is nearing completion of 31 new affordable housing units specifically designed for seniors in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The units are set to welcome their first residents in November 2023, providing a much-needed solution for seniors in the community.

Accessible Living for Seniors

These one-story housing units will feature no steps, brand new appliances, and essential services such as snow clearing and lawn maintenance. Rent for each unit is priced at $700 per month, making it a viable option for seniors facing financial challenges. For residents like Gail Pitt, the opportunity to move into one of these units represents a significant improvement in quality of life. “I cried. I was happy,” Pitt shared. “Where I’m living right now, I have to deal with stairs every day and I do have mobility problems, so this is a big help for me.”

According to Jackie Compton Hobbs, the executive director of the coalition, many seniors have expressed similar sentiments upon learning they will soon have a new home. “They were so grateful, and I’ve since had seniors come in here one by one to view the apartments. That makes you feel good at the end of the day,” Compton Hobbs noted.

Ongoing Demand for Affordable Housing

While the completion of these 31 units marks a significant milestone for the coalition, Compton Hobbs emphasized the urgent need for additional affordable housing. The application deadline for the current units was April 30, but the coalition continues to receive daily inquiries from prospective tenants wishing to join the growing waitlist. “We could easily fill 200 units in a day if they were available,” she remarked.

Among those on the waitlist is Debbie Michelin, who returned to Happy Valley-Goose Bay due to health and mobility issues. Michelin, who is approaching her 65th birthday, described her current living situation as “couch surfing” while staying with her 87-year-old mother. “My last home in New Brunswick was 16 steps up and down,” she explained. “At my age, I can’t afford the high prices of rent.” Despite her challenges, Michelin remains hopeful about the new housing developments and advocates for more units for seniors in the area. “We’re the forgotten people as we age. We seem to get left behind sometimes and we need to be remembered,” she said.

The Happy Valley-Goose Bay Housing and Homelessness Coalition is also planning to construct an additional 40 housing units alongside a 20-unit personal care home. Compton Hobbs is actively seeking funding for these projects, emphasizing the importance of addressing the housing needs of seniors to alleviate pressure on local health care services. “We’re shovel ready,” she stated, urging government officials to support the initiative.

As these new housing units prepare to welcome residents, the coalition’s efforts reflect a broader commitment to improving living conditions for seniors in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The community eagerly anticipates the positive impact these developments will have on the lives of its older residents.