P.E.I. latest province to sign on to provide housing cash for those fleeing gender-based violence

The federal and provincial governments have come together to offer help to Prince Edward Islanders escaping from gender-based violence, through a$12 million fund to subsidize housing costs.

"This partnership is about much more than supporting bricks and mortar," said P.E.I. Housing Minister Rob Lantz in a news release."It is about offering hope, safety and a path forward for survivors of gender-based violence."

The fund will operate through the Canada Housing Benefit, funded equally by the federal and provincial governments. P.E.I. is the fourth province to sign an agreement of this kind.

Applicants will be able to receive up to $7,200 annually to help cover rent or mortgage payments and property taxes. In addition, the fund will cover a damage deposit of up to $2,000.

The available funding is enough to cover about 195 people, the news release said.

These benefits are on top of an existing program that provides support to women, children and 2SLGBTQ+ people trying to find a safe and affordable place to call home.

While the new funding is specifically for survivors of gender-based violence, the province will have the flexibility to use its share of funding to support other priority vulnerable populations.