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NEWS RELEASE |
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For Immediate Release |
Ministry of Housing and Social Development |
KAMLOOPS – People who are homeless or at risk of homelessness now have access to more housing options thanks to today’s official opening of Henry Leland House, a $4.45-million, 28-unit supportive housing development, announced Kevin Krueger, MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson.
“This development is a great example of how our government is taking action to effectively break the cycle of homelessness in our province,” said Krueger. “Henry Leland House will give people access to affordable housing with the appropriate supports so they can have a stable home and successfully move towards long-term independence.”
The Province provided a $2.3-million grant through the Provincial Homelessness Initiative (PHI) and $1.6 million in mortgage financing. PHI integrates support services with housing so people may move beyond temporary shelter to more secure housing, gain greater self-reliance, and achieve appropriate employment. Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, through the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, provided a $500,000 grant for the development.
“The Government of Canada is supporting many Canadians with housing needs and is fulfilling its commitment to help those seeking to break free of the cycle of homelessness and poverty,” said Cathy McLeod, MP for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo. “Through this investment, the AIDS Society of Kamloops will be able to help individuals and families in need.”
The development was formerly the Whistler
Inn, a 28-unit building purchased by the Province for $1.2 million in 2007 and
renovated. It was renamed Henry Leland House to honour the memory of Henry
Leland, an Aboriginal man who lived on the streets of
“The opening of Henry Leland House
demonstrates the positive change that can take place when government and
community partners work together,” said
The
ASK Wellness Centre (ASK), which will manage and operate Henry Leland House, is
a non-profit organization dedicated to helping those in greatest need by providing awareness,
education, advocacy and housing in order to develop healthier communities. ASK
contributed $75,000 towards the development provided by an anonymous donor.
“Today we are thrilled to celebrate the
opening of Henry Leland House and look forward to seeing the positive impact it
will have on the lives of its residents and the community,” said Bob Hughes,
executive director of ASK. “Working with government and community partners, we
are committed to providing a stable, non-judgemental environment with the
appropriate supports to help people re-establish themselves in their
community.”
Increasing
affordable housing, reducing homelessness and helping citizens in greatest need
is a key priority for the
The Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy works with communities and Aboriginal groups to put 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. This Strategy is targeted at the development of transitional and supportive housing and related support services.
‘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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Contact: |
Rachel Nelken BC Housing 778 452-2719 604 505-8428 (cell) |
Media Relations Office Human Resources and Skills Development 819 994-5559 |
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.
BACKGROUNDER
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Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
HENRY LELAND HOUSE
The ASK Wellness Centre’s (ASK) Henry
Leland House, located at 506 St. Paul St. in
The renovated building provides 15 bachelor units and 13 one-bedroom units. Each unit includes a small kitchenette and three-piece bathroom.
Partners
and Funding
Capital cost of this development is approximately $4,458,708.
Operating partners and funding:
ASK
WELLNESS CENTRE (ASK)
ASK is a local non-profit agency dedicated to helping those in greatest need by providing awareness, education, advocacy, housing, and support related to HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, marginalization and persons at risk, in order to develop healthier communities. The staff and volunteers of ASK are involved in addressing the needs of their community’s most vulnerable population.
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|
Contact: |
Rachel Nelken BC Housing 778 452-2719 604 505-8428 (cell) |
Media Relations Office Human Resources and Skills Development 819 994-5559 |
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.
