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KAMLOOPS – People who are homeless or at risk of homelessness now have access to more affordable housing thanks to today’s official opening of the $7.2-million Georgian Court apartment building, announced Claude Richmond, MLA for Kamloops, and Kevin Krueger, MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson.
“Georgian Court will give people access to affordable housing and the support services they need to successfully move off of the streets and build a home,” said Richmond. “This new supportive housing development will benefit homeless British Columbians as well as the entire community of Kamloops.”
The Province provided a $2-million grant under the Provincial Homelessness Initiative and the balance of capital funding in the form of mortgage financing worth $4.4 million. The City of Kamloops provided $140,352 towards development cost charges.
“This housing development is a great example of the action our government is taking to effectively deal with homelessness,” said Krueger. “Through collaborating with all levels of government and local service providers, we are working to create sustainable low-income housing to ensure people can stay off the streets and have a safe place to live.”
“The opening of Georgian Court demonstrates the positive change that can take place when all three levels of government and community partners work together,” said Kamloops Mayor Peter Milobar. “This development will play a vital role in improving the quality of life of our most vulnerable people.”
The John Howard Society Thompson
Region, which will manage and operate Georgian Court, provided the land, valued
at $340,000, for the development and cash equity of $399,604. The society
assists people who are in conflict with the law, offers crime prevention
programs and services and offers safe, affordable housing for people living on
a low fixed income.
“Today we are so excited to celebrate the
opening of Georgian Court and look forward to seeing the positive impact it
will have in our community,” said Dawn Hrycun, CEO of the John Howard Society.
“Working with government and community partners, we are committed to providing
stable, supportive housing and support services to help people find their place
in society.”
Georgian
Court is a four-storey wood-frame building that offers 48 self-contained
one-bedroom apartments. The ground floor consists of 10 apartments as well as
amenity and administrative areas. The second and third floors each have 13
apartments and the fourth floor has 12 apartments. All apartments are wheelchair accessible.
‘Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness’ is a website providing a comprehensive and detailed look at provincial programs and services to address homelessness. Visit www.bchousing.org/breakingthecycle for more information.
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Media Contact: |
Rachel Nelken 778 452-2719 604 505-8428 (cell) |
Shannon Wallis City of 250 828-3494 |
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Dawn Hrycun John Howard Society 250 434-1700 ext. 502 250 574-4141 |
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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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