LANGLEY TRANSITIONAL HOUSING RECEIVES $775,000

LANGLEY – The official opening of Wagner Hills Farm Society’s Campbell Valley - House of Hope, a 14-bed transitional housing development for women in addiction recovery, was celebrated today with provincial and community partners in attendance.

“We are committed to helping people overcome their barriers to employment, such as drug and addiction issues – so they can lead healthier lives and find and keep good jobs,” said Rich Coleman, Minister of Housing and Social Development. “Part of this commitment involves providing the best system of support at the most crucial housing and service level.”

The Province has provided the land for a nominal fee through a five-year renewable lease plus $250,000 through the Provincial Homelessness Initiative for renovations to the three residential houses. The Province will also provide $525,000 through the Housing Endowment Fund to build nine greenhouses at this facility and at Wagner Hills, a nearby 50-bed facility for men in recovery, to expand the on-site greenhouse work programs, which teach greenhouse operations and nursery skills to residents in recovery.

“The provincial government is committed to helping people overcome personal challenges such as mental health issues and addictions,” said Mary Polak, MLA of Langley and Minister of Healthy Living and Sport. “The combination of housing and support services at Campbell Valley - House of Hope will bring stability to women’s lives and futures.”

“A supportive transitional facility for women in Langley is a fundamental part of building a healthy community,” said Kurt Alberts, mayor of the Township of Langley. “I know this shelter will help many women in our Langley community find their paths to a better life.”

Wagner Hills Farm Society operates and manages the housing and rehabilitation program that offers support services, farm work and job skills for individuals to better enable them to integrate back into the community. Operations will run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with one staff on duty at all times.

“We are grateful for the provincial support and funding that has brought the Campbell Valley - House of Hope to its official opening,” said Helmut Boehm, executive director of Wagner Hills Farm Society. “I look forward to seeing the positive healing and transformation that will take place at the House of Hope.”

The $250-million Housing Endowment Fund was established in the 2007 Provincial Budget. The fund will generate investment revenue of approximately $10 million a year, which will be used to fund new ideas and support innovative housing solutions that meet the diverse housing needs of British Columbians. The Province has committed to creating more than 4,000 new housing units under the Provincial Homelessness Initiative. The Province’s budget for shelters and affordable housing is more than $400 million – more than three times what it was in 2001.

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1 backgrounder(s) attached.
Media contact:	Rhonda Nguyen BC Housing 604 439-4740 604 374-8301	Helmut Boehm Executive Director Wagner Hills Farm Society 604 856-9432

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