A new apartment building that will provide 36 supportive homes for individuals at risk of homelessness is under construction in Nanaimo.

The four-storey, $6.7-million development will be managed and operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association - Mid Island Branch and is the second of five developments being constructed under a partnership between the Province and the City to help address homelessness.

The building, located at 437 Wesley Street, will be built to LEED Gold standards and will provide 30 studio apartments, three wheelchair-accessible apartments and three one-bedroom apartments with full access to integrated support services. Common amenity space will include a lounge, a communal kitchen, a tenant garden and administrative space. Construction is expected to be complete in spring 2012.

The Province will invest $6.04 million into the Wesley Street development and an annual operational subsidy of $520,183. The City of Nanaimo will provide the serviced land valued at approximately $560,000 and will waive $116,223 in development cost charges.

Quotes:

Anne Hodge, executive director, Canadian Mental Health Association - Mid Island Branch -

"Mental health and homelessness are inextricably intertwined. Through this project, we will be able to provide critical support services to those who need them the most. With all partners working together, we can make a difference for homelessness in Nanaimo."

Quick Facts:

• 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 2,050 low-income individuals, seniors and families. The Province also funds 43 year-round emergency shelter beds.
• The Canadian Mental Health Association is a countrywide, volunteer organization that promotes the mental health of all and supports the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness. The association accomplishes this mission through advocacy, education, community-based research and services.

Learn More:

• To learn more about provincial programs and services to address homelessness, visit: www.bchousing.org/Initiatives/Creating/PHI
• To learn more about programs and services offered by the Canadian Mental Health Association - Mid Island Branch, please visit: www.mid-island.cmha.bc.ca

Media Contacts:

Michelle Frilund
BC Housing
604 456-8895
604 318-4419 cell

John Horn
City of Nanaimo
250 755-4483