For Immediate Release
December 2, 2024
Today, NL NDP Leader Jim Dinn (St. John’s Centre) questioned the Minister of Housing on the lack of affordable housing, and the real consequences it is having on a constituent of his.
Accessible public housing is almost impossible to find. This reality means Rhonda Whalen, a constituent of Dinn’s, is forced to be confined to the first level of her 2-story unit.
“Since having one of her legs amputated a year ago, Rhonda suffered a stroke, is confined to a wheelchair, has been forced to live downstairs without access to the bathroom on the second floor. Rhonda is forced to use a commode and use the kitchen sink for personal bathing,” Dinn explained. “Rhonda has burnt herself on the stove because the kitchen is not accessible.”
He asked the Minister, “How much more indignity and trauma must Rhonda suffer before his department and City officials work together to secure accessible housing for Rhonda?”
Dinn challenged government on the lack of solutions they are putting forward for Ms. Whalen and others in her situation. He says the housing situation means Ms. Whalen has been separated from the granddaughter she has cared for since the child’s mother died and will now not be able to spend Christmas with her.
Dinn says the lack of solutions from this government, and lack of ability to work with the City of St. John’s to remedy this issue, is splitting up this family unit. “What supports will he put in place so that Rhonda can be reunited with her granddaughter and be able to care for her and herself?” he asked.
-30-
For further information, contact Stephanie Curran, Media and Communications Officer, NDP Caucus at 330-0328 (o), or stephaniecurran@gov.nl.ca
Comments