Community Services and Seniors: Housing

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Housing

The Department of Community Services and Seniors operates housing units across the province for families and seniors who need help finding affordable, appropriate homes. Assistance is also available for seniors who need to make necessary repairs to their home.

Seniors' Home Repair Program

The Seniors' Home Repair Program helps seniors make necessary repairs to their principal residence. The person who is applying must own the residence and live there.

The program provides assistance to low- and moderate-income seniors to make necessary repairs to one of the major components of the physical structure (for example, the roof, furnace, windows and doors). This program is not meant for cosmetic repairs or renovations. The repairs must be essential to the structure of the building as well as to the senior's health and safety.

Applicants must be 60 years of age or older. The combined income of the applicant and spouse must be less than $35,000 per year. The program will contribute 50 per cent of the cost of eligible repairs to a maximum of $1500.

Download the Seniors' Home Repair program application form / [French version] / Submit an electronic form

Family Housing Program

The Family Housing Program provides quality rental housing units for families who may not otherwise be able to obtain adequate housing. The program provides housing for Island families with low incomes, poor housing conditions or other special circumstances.

Housing Authorities in nine communities across the province select tenants based on their current situation. This could include their housing conditions, income, housing expenditures, family size, health, and any special circumstances. Housing units are located in the following Island communities: Alberton, Charlottetown, Georgetown, Montague, Mt. Stewart, O'Leary, Souris, Summerside and Tignish.

Rent is based on the household's total income. Most families pay 25 per cent of their income for rent. People who receive Social Assistance pay a rate that is established for the area in consultations between the Department of Community Services and Seniors and the local Housing Authority.

Download the Family Housing program brochure and application form

Seniors' Housing Program

Many seniors find that their housing needs change over time. Some find their income is less than in earlier years, making housing difficult to afford. Others may find it more difficult to maintain their own home. In recognition of these needs, the federal and provincial governments provide funding for building and maintaining Seniors' Housing projects.

There are seniors' housing apartment-style rental units in 34 communities across the province. Islanders aged 60 and older are eligible for assistance. Islanders who are 55 and older who have a disability are eligible to apply and will be given consideration based on the availability of seniors units. Tenants are selected based on their level of need. Staff consider their income, assets, health, age, present housing and the length of time the application has been on file. Rent is 25 per cent of the tenant's income.

Download a brochure and application form for the Seniors' Housing Program.

Rural Community Housing Program/Rural and Native Housing Program
These programs were established to provide adequate and affordable rental housing to moderate income working families in rural communities. Rent is based on 25 per cent of the tenants’ income.

To apply for both the Rural Community Housing Program and the Rural and Native Housing Program, download a brochure and application form for the Family Housing Program.

For more information, contact your nearst provincial housing office: