Two supportive housing developments proposed for Nanaimo will enter the next stage of the planning process with a call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) being issued on Sept. 13, 2011.

Experienced non-profit housing providers are invited to confirm their interest in designing, developing and operating the housing with support services. A series of meetings with the neighbourhood to share information and gather feedback will begin once the housing providers are selected.

The two sites are located at 1612 Dufferin Crescent and 6025 Uplands Drive. Each building will have between 35 and 40 units of supportive housing.

The developments are being created through a partnership between the Province and the City of Nanaimo to help address homelessness in the city. In total, approximately 160 new supportive housing units will be built that help connect individuals with the services and supports they need to stabilize, regain their confidence and rebuild their lives.

One of the partnership developments, Salish Lelum at 477 Tenth Street, opened earlier this year and provides 18 apartments for Aboriginal youth and elders.

The submission deadline for the EOI is Friday, Sept. 23, with the goal to have the new operator(s) announced before the end of the year. Other steps in the planning process will include an information session for non-profit operators and a Request for Proposals.

Quotes:

Mayor John Ruttan, City of Nanaimo -

"These supportive housing developments are a giant leap forward for our city. With all partners working together, we can make our community a better place for even our most vulnerable citizens."

"I look forward to seeing some great non-profit partners join these projects, and watching these developments come to life - providing safe, supportive homes for those in need."

Quick Facts:

• Under the provincial housing strategy, Housing Matters BC, the government has partnerships with eight communities to build more than 2,300 new units of supportive housing for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in B.C. (Abbotsford, Campbell River, Kelowna, Maple Ridge, Nanaimo, Surrey, Vancouver and Victoria.) Construction is now underway at many of the 32 housing developments proposed under these municipal partnerships.
• Over the last decade, the Province has invested $2.8 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families. This year, more than 95,000 B.C. households will benefit from provincial social housing programs and services.
• In Nanaimo, the government will invest approximately $6.8 million this year to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for more than 250 low-income individuals, seniors and families. The Province also funds 43 year-round emergency shelter beds.

Learn More:

Information is available on the City of Nanaimo's website at: www.nanaimo.ca/EN/main/departments/Community-Planning/4302/49740.html or residents can contact the City directly at 250 755-4483.

To learn more about provincial programs and services to address homelessness, visit: www.bchousing.org/Initiatives/Creating/PHI

Contacts:

Fergus McCann
BC Housing
778 452-2745

John Horn
City of Nanaimo
250 755-4483