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 for seniors, with move-in day scheduled for November 2023. These one-story units are designed to enhance accessibility, featuring no steps and equipped with brand new appliances. Rent is set at $700 per month, providing a much-needed solution for local seniors facing housing challenges.

For Gail Pitt, one of the first residents selected for these units, the news is transformative. “I cried. I was happy. 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,” Pitt expressed in an interview. Her emotional response reflects a broader sentiment among seniors who are eager to secure stable, affordable housing.

Community Impact and Future Plans

Executive Director Jackie Compton Hobbs noted that Pitt’s reaction is not an isolated incident. Many seniors have expressed gratitude and joy upon learning about their new homes. “They were so grateful, and I’ve since had seniors come in one by one to view the apartments,” Compton Hobbs said. “That makes you feel good at the end of the day.”

While the completion of these 31 units marks a significant accomplishment for the coalition, Compton Hobbs emphasized the need for additional affordable housing. The application deadline for the current units was April 30, but inquiries continue to flood in. “We could easily fill 200 units in a day if they were available,” she stated.

Among those waiting for their chance is Debbie Michelin, who recently returned to Happy Valley-Goose Bay due to health and mobility issues. “My last home in New Brunswick was 16 steps up and down,” Michelin explained. Currently living with her elderly mother, she described her situation as “couch surfing” and expressed concern about the high rental prices. Despite being on the waitlist, she remains hopeful for more housing developments. “We’re the forgotten people as we age. We seem to get left behind sometimes and we need to be remembered,” she added.

Looking Ahead

The Happy Valley-Goose Bay Housing and Homelessness Coalition is actively pursuing plans for 40 additional housing units and a 20-unit personal care home. Compton Hobbs is optimistic about securing funding soon, emphasizing the benefits these projects could bring to the community and the healthcare system. “We’re shovel ready; I’ve preached it to whatever government official comes to Goose Bay,” she said.

The development of affordable housing for seniors represents a crucial step forward in addressing the pressing housing needs in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. As the community awaits the completion of the new units, the coalition’s efforts highlight the ongoing struggle for adequate housing options for vulnerable populations.