NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release 2010HSD0062-000750 June 23, 2010

Ministry of Housing and Social Development

 

$10-MILLION OLYMPIC LEGACY HOUSING PROJECT UNDERWAY

 

CHILLIWACK – Adults with mental health barriers and youth at risk of homelessness will have better access to affordable supportive housing with construction of a new building to provide 33 apartments, John Les, MLA for Chilliwack announced today.

 

“By providing stable housing with on-site support services, these homes will be a place of learning and positive growth for people facing challenging times in their lives,” said Les. “I would like to acknowledge and thank Chilliwack Community Services Society and Creative Centre Society for their continued commitment to serving our community.”

 

The total capital cost for the development, located at 8937 School St., is approximately $10 million. The Province will be providing a Provincial Infrastructure Grant of $8.3 million, land worth about $1 million and $297,406 in annual operational funding. Chilliwack Community Services Society will provide $400,000 in equity and the City of Chilliwack will waive municipal fees estimated at $308,351.

 

“Stable housing is a fundamental component of recovery,” said Mayor Sharon Gaetz, City of Chilliwack. “Our city council is in great support of this project as it offers youth and adults with mental health issues housing options with support services to help them break free of homelessness.”

 

The School Street development is the result of a partnership between the Province and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) to reconfigure temporary modular housing from the Whistler Athletes’ Village. The modular housing will be relocated and converted into 156 permanent, affordable rental homes in six communities across British Columbia. Construction is underway in Enderby, Saanich, Sechelt and Surrey, and has been completed in Chetwynd.

 

The four-storey, L-shaped building will provide 33 affordable apartments with integrated support services, in addition to office space, a community kitchen, dining area, lounge and reception area. On-site offices will provide space for staff to support the youth residents.

 

Chilliwack Community Services Society (CCSS) will manage the facility and operate 11 apartments located on the second floor for youth at risk of homelessness. Established in 1928, CCSS is an independent local charity providing opportunities for people to make positive change in their lives.

 

 

 “Our vision is to be a leading partner in helping our community to be the best it can be,” said Dale Cuthbertson, executive director of Chilliwack Community Services Society. “This partnership with the Province, the City of Chilliwack and the Creative Centre Society will allow us to help a great number of people overcome significant challenges in their lives and become positive contributors to our community.”

 

Creative Centre Society will manage and operate 22 apartments, located on the third and fourth floors, for adults at risk of homelessness with mental health barriers. Established in 1979, the society focuses on healthy living and serves clients with mental health needs in the Fraser Valley. Currently, they operate two clubhouses – Abby House and Cheam View – and independent residential apartments at Nelson Place.

 

“This new housing development will provide a supportive environment where people are able to experience a real sense of belonging,” said Jennifer Ridgeway, executive director of Creative Centre Society. “We are pleased to be a partner in this project as it furthers our ability to support people with mental health issues as they reintegrate into society.”

 

In 2010-11, the Province will invest over $562 million to provide affordable housing and fight homelessness – more than four times as much as in 2001.

 

Through Housing Matters BC, the Province is addressing a range of housing needs, from homelessness to affordable rental housing and homeownership. To find out more about affordable housing in B.C., visit www.bchousing.org.

 

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Media Contact:

Rhonda Nguyen BC Housing 604 439-4740 604 374-8301(cell)

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