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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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Ministry of Forests and Range and Minister responsible for Housing |
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INTEGRATED ADDICTIONS RECOVERY CENTRE OPENS IN
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SURREY – Federal, provincial and community partners gathered today to celebrate the official opening of the Phoenix Centre, a $10.9-million integrated addictions services centre offering a continuum of supports for individuals recovering from addictions and mental illness.
“The Phoenix Centre is a fine
example of what can be accomplished when all levels of government and the
non-profit and private sectors commit to improving the lives of those dealing
with homelessness, addictions or mental illness,” said Premier Gordon Campbell.
“These are challenges that need to be met with a concerted effort by all of us as
partners, and we’re doing that in British Columbia to ensure those most in need
of help find the support they need to build a better future.”
“Canada’s New Government is taking action to prevent and reduce homelessness,” said MP Nina Grewal. “That’s why we introduced the new Homelessness Partnering Strategy and why we have invested $5.55 million in the Phoenix Centre to provide support for people facing challenging times and help them to get back on their feet.”
The Phoenix Centre is the first
development of its kind in B.C. to combine clinical addiction services with
transitional housing, employment and education services. The centre will
provide 28 early stabilization addiction services beds and 36 transitional
housing units. The combination of care levels and services provided ensures
residents will have support in a stable environment at all stages in their
treatment and recovery.
“Surrey’s Crime Reduction Strategy places a great deal of emphasis on drug rehabilitation as a cornerstone of addressing the root causes of crime,” said City of Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts. “The Phoenix Centre will make an enormous contribution towards providing a full range of addiction treatment services and housing in this community and will contribute towards the building of a safe and healthy community for our citizens.”
The non-profit Phoenix Drug and Alcohol Recovery and Education Society will operate the centre. The society uses the “sustainable livelihoods framework” to help people affected by substance misuse participate productively in the community and the economy. The society works in partnership with government, educational institutions, community service organizations, financial institutions and business to create a healthy, safe and vibrant community.
“The development of the Phoenix Centre represents the evolution of new levels of partnership, community leadership and dialogue in our community to broaden ownership of the issues of addiction and homelessness,” said Roy Dickey, chair of the Phoenix Drug and Alcohol Recovery and Education Society. “The Phoenix Centre represents a significant transformation in how we think about the complex issues surrounding homelessness and addictions.”
In 2004, Vancity provided a $1-million award to the Phoenix Centre. “The Vancity Award was created to support the social, environmental and economic well-being of the communities we serve,” said Elain Duvall, chair of the board for Vancity. “The innovative approach to providing housing integrated with employment and training opportunities will make a difference in the lives of many.”
The Province has committed to creating 2,287 new housing units under the
Provincial Homelessness Initiative. The initiative 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. The initiative is one action
under the Province’s comprehensive housing strategy, Housing Matters BC. Copies
can be downloaded from www.bchousing.org.
Canada’s New Government announced the new Homelessness Partnering
Strategy in December 2006. The strategy began on April 1, 2007 and is providing
$270 million over two years to help communities across Canada combat
homelessness more effectively. The strategy focuses on a housing-first approach
to homelessness, recognizing that housing stability is essential to
self-sufficiency and full participation in Canadian society. With its clear
goals of improved partnerships, enhanced sustainability and tangible results,
the new strategy will provide concrete, meaningful and lasting results for
Canadians in need. For more information on the Homelessness Partnering
Strategy, visit www.homelessness.gc.ca.
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contact: |
Press Secretary Office of the Premier 250 213-8218
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Human Resources and Social Development Canada 819 994-5559
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BC Housing 604 439-4715 604 230-1301 (cell)
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Executive Director Phoenix Drug and Alcohol Recovery and Education Society 604 889-8350
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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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