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BURNABY – The Province is providing Habitat for Humanity Canada (HFHC) with up to $500,000 through the Housing Endowment Fund to develop affordable homeownership projects for low-to-moderate-income families, Minister responsible for Housing Rich Coleman and HFHC officials announced today.
“Owning a home provides families with security, stability and a strong sense of community,” said Coleman. “The Housing Endowment Fund provides support to housing programs that don’t fit other funding models and in this case will make it possible for more British Columbian families to purchase their homes.”
Under the memorandum of understanding the two parties signed, the $500,000 grant will help Habitat for Humanity’s 13 B.C. affiliates develop affordable homeownership projects for families with low to moderate incomes. HFHC will solicit project proposals from the affiliates and submit recommendations to the Province. The Province will review and provide up to $25,000 per housing unit, to a total of $500,000. The agreement is the first of its kind in Canada.
“This unique partnership with the Province is a testament to what can be done when governments and non-profits work together toward a common goal,” said David Hughes, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Canada. “As a result of the combined effort, more families in British Columbia will build new lives as they build new homes.”
Founded in 1976, the Habitat for Humanity program developed from the concept of "partnership housing" where those in need of adequate shelter work side by side with volunteers from all walks of life to build simple, decent houses. In 1985, the movement spread to Canada and has since grown to 72 affiliates in 10 provinces and two territories, and has been successful in placing more than 1,200 families into new homes.
The $250-million Housing Endowment Fund was established in the 2007
Provincial Budget. The fund generates investment revenue of approximately $10
million a year, which is used to fund new ideas and support innovative housing
solutions that meet the diverse housing needs of British Columbians.
Budget 2008 increased the amount the Province invests in affordable housing and shelters to more than $380 million a year, more than three times as much as in 2001.
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contact: |
BC Housing 604 439-8583 604 805-4960 (Cell) |
Habitat for Humanity Canada 604 647-6288 604 808-0148 (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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