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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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Ministry of Forests and Range and |
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85 NEW UNITS TO REDUCE DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE
HOMELESSNESS |
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VANCOUVER
– The Salvation Army Grace Mansion,
an $11-million transition housing development in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside
with 85 units for people who are at risk of homelessness, was officially opened
today by Housing Minister Rich Coleman and other dignitaries.
“These
new units at The Salvation Army Grace Mansion demonstrate the Province’s
commitment to creating supportive housing to help break the cycle of
homelessness,” said Coleman. “Grace Mansion is a remarkable illustration of
what partnerships can achieve.”
As
part of The Salvation Army’s continuum of care, Grace Mansion will provide
transition housing for 85 residents who have completed an addiction
rehabilitation program. Grace Mansion will act as the final cornerstone of The
Salvation Army’s full program of social services in Vancouver’s Downtown
Eastside. Support services include access to emergency shelter, literacy
programs, personal development and life-skills programs.
“In
working with other mayors on the Premier’s Task Force on Homelessness, Mental
Illness and Addictions, I am encouraged that we are making progress, one
building at a time, to address the issue of homelessness,” said Vancouver Mayor
Sam Sullivan. “The addition of The Salvation Army Grace Mansion is a
positive step forward in providing homes for those who need it most here
in Vancouver.”
“The
Salvation Army Grace Mansion will not only provide transition housing, but also
a range of support services to help individuals regain their independence in
the community,” said Major Bill Blackman, Divisional Commander with the British
Columbia Division of The Salvation Army. “In partnering with the Province, we
are able to expand our services and provide homes for those who are homeless or
at risk of homelessness.”
The
Provincial Homelessness Initiative is an integral part of the provincial
housing strategy, Housing Matters BC. The strategy includes a commitment to
build new supportive housing units as a continuation of the ongoing work of the
Premier’s Task Force. It aims to break
the cycle of homelessness by integrating support services with housing so
people may move beyond temporary shelter to more secure housing, gain greater
self-reliance, and achieve appropriate employment.
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contact: |
Corporate Communications BC Housing 604 439-4758 604 417-1298 (cell) |
Divisional Secretary for Public Relations and Development, The Salvation Army 604 296-3821 604 551-5388 (cell) |
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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