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Human Resources and Social Development Canada Ministry of Forests and Range and Minister responsible for Housing |
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$7M SUPPORTIVE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT OPENS IN
VANCOUVER |
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VANCOUVER – A new $7-million supportive housing apartment building officially opened in
Vancouver today, providing help for people with mental health and addiction
issues. The development is a partnership between all three levels of
government, the local health authority and Triage Emergency Services & Care
Society.
“The
Government of Canada is delivering on its commitments to help those who are
homeless and at risk of becoming homeless, including Canadians on our streets
experiencing mental illness,” said Mark Warawa, Member of Parliament for
Langley, speaking on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human
Resources and Social Development. “Triage Emergency Services and Care Society
will offer Vancouverites with mental illness access to the safe housing and
support they need to improve their quality of life and fully participate in
society.”
5616
Fraser Street provides 30 units
of supportive housing for adults with mental health issues who require support
services and are engaged in active recovery from addictions. It will be operated by Triage Emergency Services
& Care Society.
“5616 Fraser Street will make a real difference, both for the people who call it home and for the community, by providing stable housing and support to people battling addictions and mental illness,” said Minister responsible for Housing Rich Coleman. “Supportive housing developments are an important part of breaking the cycle of homelessness.”
The development was created through partnerships under the Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy and the Provincial Homelessness Initiative housing program, which is part of the ongoing work of the Premier’s Task Force on Homelessness, Mental Illness and Addictions. The initiative integrates support services with housing to help people move beyond temporary shelter to more secure housing, greater self-reliance, and appropriate employment.
“This project demonstrates the
benefit of governments working together to provide more stable housing options
for our citizens in greatest need,” said Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan. “As a member
of the Premier’s Task Force, I am encouraged that we are making progress to
address the need for housing with supports here in Vancouver with the addition
of 5616 Fraser Street.”
“By combining housing with support services, we are
demonstrating how various levels of government and the non-profit and private
sectors can join together to build communities that are both safe and
sustainable,” said Ida Goodreau, president and chief executive officer of
Vancouver Coastal Health. “This will help ensure residents can stabilize
their lives and improve their health before they transition into a more
permanent living situation.”
“5616 Fraser Street is not simply a
way to get people off the streets, but to provide a wide range of supports 24
hours a day that assist people in achieving stability and moving on with their
lives,” said Mark Smith, executive director of Triage Emergency Services &
Care Society.
The Province has committed to creating more than 2,300 new housing units
under the Provincial Homelessness Initiative. The Province’s budget for
shelters and affordable housing is $328 million – nearly triple what it was in
2001.
The Government of Canada, through its Homelessness Partnering Strategy
(HPS), is taking action to prevent and reduce homelessness in Greater
Vancouver. This strategy is providing $269.6 million over two years to help
communities across Canada combat homelessness more effectively. The HPS puts in
place structures and supports that help people who are homeless or at risk of
becoming homeless achieve self-sufficiency and full participation in
society.
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Media Contact: |
Renee Schisler BC Housing 604 439-4757 604 375-1235 |
Media Relations 819
994-5559 |
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Viviana Zanocco Senior Media Relations Officer Vancouver Coastal Health 604 708-5282 |
Mark Smith Triage Emergency Services & Care 604 215-3040 604 805-2763 |
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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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