Shelter Enhancement Program

The Shelter Enhancement Program (SEP) provides financial assistance to assist in the repair, rehabilitation and improvement of existing shelters, and to assist in the acquisition or construction of new shelters for victims of family violence.

There are two program components:

• SEP - Renovation Program, and
• SEP - New Projects

Renovation Program: Sponsors of existing shelters for victims of family violence can receive financial assistance for repairing or improving the property to an acceptable standard of health, safety and security for occupants, as well as accessibility for persons with disabilities.

Renovation Program:

• Dwelling must be substandard or deficient and require major repair or is lacking in basic facilities.
• Sponsor must be able to demonstrate that the repair property will be financially viable.
• All mandatory repairs - necessary to bring components up to a minimum level of health and safety - must be completed.
• Eligible repairs include providing level of security, permitting accessibility for disabled persons, providing adequate and safe program and play areas for children.

New Projects:

• Any proposed project that creates additional shelter spaces or second stage housing accommodation.
• Any building form that can be produced at costs acceptable to Family Services and Housing will be considered.
• Eligible costs are lesser of actual costs and appraisal estimate of costs and include: land acquisition; municipal servicing; landscaping; construction, acquisition, or conversion; hard furnishings; soft costs; and appropriate building security provisions.