By Rich Coleman
Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for Housing

VICTORIA - This past Thanksgiving weekend is a reminder that some residents in the Interior are struggling to find affordable housing, or are seeking emergency shelter.

This week is Homelessness Action Week (Oct 12-18). It is an opportunity for us all to acknowledge those in our community in need and highlight the incredible work being done to help address homelessness in our communities.

The Province is doing its part. Last year, the provincial government provided more than $54 million affordable housing options in the Interior - including over $19 million for 1,500 housing units for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Our homeless outreach teams operate in 10 communities across the region, connecting people with stable housing and a range of supports such as income assistance and health and addictions services. In the Interior there are more than 1,000 subsidized units specifically for the homeless and over 220 permanent year-round emergency shelter spaces. In addition, more than 250 people who were homeless or at risk of homelessness received rent supplements last year to help them find housing in the private market.

We are also working to make sure that low-income, working families have access to affordable housing. Last year, more than 1,400 Interior families receive rental assistance to keep their rent affordable. This year, in Invermere, we purchased an 18-unit apartment complex for low-income families. In Kelowna we partnered directly with the City to build three new supportive housing developments - Tutt Street Place, Willowbridge and New Gate Apartments - all of which are now open. We've done this because we know that affordable housing is a fundamental part of a vibrant and healthy community.

Today, more than 100,000 households across British Columbia benefit from a diverse range of provincial housing options - a 20% increase since 2006. This progress is due to the dedicated efforts of our partners, community organizations, staff and volunteers who work so hard to provide housing for those in need. Their efforts change lives, support our communities and make the Interior a better place to live - for everyone.

Find out more about the Province's housing investments in the Interior:
http://www.housingmattersbc.ca/docs/fs_Interior_Region.pdf