Minister Laforest Announces Housing Assistance Measures for July 1

Minister Andrée Laforest announced on June 11 that more than $71.5 million will be invested in her action plan for July 1 so that everyone can have a roof over their heads at the end of the moving period.

Several measures are being put forward, here is the press release:

• Emergency Rental Supplement Program

With an investment of $21.5 million, 1,800 households in need will receive assistance to pay their rent through the new emergency rental supplement program that will be made available this year.

First, 1,600 new dwellings, allocated by municipal housing authorities, will address the pressing housing needs of low-income households who would otherwise be homeless. This assistance will enable them to pay rent equivalent to 25% of their income, just like in social housing. An increase in the ceiling on eligible rent is also planned in order to facilitate the search for housing.

In addition, 200 new dwellings will be reserved on the territory of the City of Montréal for people who are homeless, to facilitate their social reintegration. An additional amount of $7.4 million is also planned so that the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux can assist these people in their efforts through the community sector.

• Emergency assistance to municipalities

As for municipalities with a vacancy rate of 2% or less, they can continue to count on financial support from the SHQ under the emergency assistance program reactivated last year. This program allows municipalities to assume a portion of the expenses incurred for temporarily housing for some households, their moving expenses, or to store their belongings.

• Housing Measures to Assist Households Affected by COVID-19

It should also be reminded that the SHQ still offers tenants whose income is reduced because of COVID-19 an interest-free loan of $1,500 corresponding to two months' rent. The application must be made by July 15, 2020. The loan is repayable by August 1, 2021, without interest.

• Financial support for households waiting for their principal residence

Financial support for households awaiting their principal residence continues to be available. This measure, with a budget of up to $50 million, consists of reimbursing temporary accommodation and storage or moving costs to households whose plans to move to their principal residence (including a dwelling) have been postponed because of COVID-19.

• Mobilization of staff at the SHQ

In support of the housing offices, the SHQ also mobilized its staff to meet the increased needs of households looking for housing. Thus, the SHQ Customer Relations Centre will be open from June 26 to July 3 with an extended schedule (1 800 463-4315). Citizens looking for housing are invited to contact them.

For more information, see the press release.