PROVINCE INVESTS $1M FOR WOMEN’S TRANSITIONAL HOUSING

MAPLE RIDGE – The Province has invested $1 million in two Maple Ridge properties that the InnerVisions Recovery Society uses to provide transitional housing for women in recovery from addictions.

“The Province is committed to helping the lives of those suffering from substance abuse by providing housing with integrated support services,” said Randy Hawes, MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission. “InnerVisions now has stability and certainty in their location, and will be able to continue to provide those same qualities to the lives of the people they help.”

The funding was provided through the Provincial Homelessness Initiative and allowed for the purchase of two neighbouring properties, with a total of 25 beds, collectively known as Hanna House. The Province purchased the properties on Laity Street and on Dewdney Trunk Road earlier this year and subsequently leased them to the society at a nominal rate. The society had been paying market lease rates for the properties.

“Hanna House has been a large contributor towards providing a full range of much-needed addiction treatment services in Maple Ridge,” said Gordy Robson, Mayor of Maple Ridge. “We are pleased they will now have the opportunity to continue to contribute towards the building of a safe and healthy community for our citizens.”

InnerVisions’ programs were honoured by the Donner Canadian Foundation Award in the category of Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse. The Donner Awards Program acknowledges excellence in social service provision by Canadian non-profit organizations. InnerVisions also has a 10-unit property on Prairie Avenue in Port Coquitlam, assisting men in recovering from drug addictions.

“Our vision is one of a safe and nurturing environment and through this additional grant we are able to expand our services and provide hope to more women in recovery,” said Billy Weselowski, founder of InnerVisions. “We are real people who have ourselves recovered from the horrors and loneliness of addiction. We provide an escape from the brutality and degradation of addiction, in a safe and structured centre. We apply a rigorous program with a proven plan that we all follow to ensure success for everyone.”

InnerVisions Recovery Society has offered a licensed and accredited substance abuse treatment program since 1991 and provides a 12-step, 60-day treatment model. The program provides a solid foundation in recovery for those who are fully committed to the program and are working towards improving their lives.

The Province has committed to creating more than 2,300 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

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1 backgrounder(s) attached.
Media contact:	Rhonda Nguyen Communications Specialist BC Housing 604 439-4740 604 374-8301	Billy Weselowski InnerVisions Recovery Society of BC 604 465-8812 604 889-4369 (cell)

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