Raincity Housing, a non-profit society that has provided shelter and housing for thousands of people in the Lower Mainland for close to 30 years, has been selected to develop and operate a new supportive housing development in the Tri-Cities.

The new development, to be located at 3030 Gordon Ave., will create up to 30 emergency shelter beds in addition to 30 transitional studio apartments for people who are homeless.

Raincity Housing was selected through a Request for Proposal call issued in August. With the selection process now complete, the Province, City of Coquitlam and Tri-Cities Homelessness Task Group will work in partnership with Raincity Housing to develop the plan for construction and services to be offered at the facility, as well as community consultation.

The development is expected to be completed by late spring 2014.

Quotes:

Mayor Richard Stewart, City of Coquitlam -

"Projects like 3030 Gordon Ave. provide much more than just a roof overhead; they are key to helping us meet the critical needs of our most vulnerable citizens, namely giving them a safe place to call home and with it, the opportunity for a new life."

Mark Smith, executive director, Raincity Housing -

"As our society approaches its 30th anniversary, we remain committed to our mandate of providing a home for every person. By addressing homelessness through housing, the quality of life of everyone in our communities increases."

"Working together with the Province, the City of Coquitlam and the Tri-Cities Homelessness Task Group, we look forward to adding the 3030 Gordon development to our range of housing options, serving the people who will live there and helping build a stronger, more vibrant community."

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.
• n Coquitlam, the government will invest approximately $9.6 million this year to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for more than 2,000 low-income individuals, seniors and families.
• More than 50 per cent of homeless people in the Tri-Cities are unsheltered, according to the 2011 Metro Vancouver Homeless Count.
• Raincity Housing was formed almost 30 years ago with a mandate to provide innovative specialized housing and support services for people living with mental illness, addictions and other challenges. Along with a range of outreach and other services, the society currently manages close to 490 units of temporary/transitional and long-term supportive housing at 11 housing developments in the Lower Mainland.

Learn More:

About provincial housing programs: http://www.bchousing.org/Initiatives

To read how the provincial housing strategy is helping British Columbians, visit:

http://www.bchousing.org/Media/Stories

Further information about the work of Raincity Housing can be found at: http://www.raincityhousing.org/

Media Contact:

Kathleen Vincent
BC Housing
604 456-8852