MAPLE RIDGE - A new development that will create 45 units of supportive housing for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness is now under construction in Maple Ridge.

Alouette Heights, at 22207 Brown Ave. in Maple Ridge, is a partnership between the Province and the District of Maple Ridge to create new affordable, supportive housing in the city. The Province provided a grant of approximately $8 million and will also provide annual operating funding of $335,864 once the building is complete. The District provided the land valued at approximately $1 million.

Alouette Home Start Society (AHSS) will manage and operate the development and provide staffing 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Since 2005, AHSS has been committed to providing safe, secure and affordable housing and access to support services to Maple Ridge residents in need.

The building is designed to achieve LEED Gold certification and will feature the use of bioswale, a landscape element that removes silt and pollution from surface runoff water. Construction is expected to be complete by spring 2012.

Quotes:

"Our society believes that at-risk Maple Ridge residents should have access to safe, secure and affordable housing. When complete, these homes, along with the 24/7 onsite support services, will ensure tenants have the proper environment they need to bring structure and stability back into their lives."

Quick Facts:

• In Maple Ridge, the government will invest more than $5 million this year to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for more than 1,050 low-income individuals, seniors and families.
• Over the last decade, the Province has invested $2.8 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families in communities across the province. This year, more than 93,000 B.C. households will benefit from provincial social housing programs and services.
• In the 10 years since 2001, the government has committed to creating nearly 21,400 new units of housing: 16,326 have been completed, 3,450 are in development or under construction and an additional 1,615 units have funding committed.
• This includes a commitment to more than 6,500 new and upgraded supportive housing units and shelter beds under the Provincial Homelessness Initiative.
• Approximately 5,400 supportive housing units exist now in BC, compared to the 1,300 units that existed in 2001.

Learn More:

• To learn more about programs and services offered by the Alouette Home Start Society, please visit: http://www.alouettehomestart.com

Media contacts:
Vincent Chou
BC Housing
604 454-5444

Fred Armstrong
District of Maple Ridge
604 467-7452