A valuable resource for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Chilliwack today received another funding boost from the Province of British Columbia.

Ruth & Naomi's Mission, which opened its 46130 Margaret Ave. location in February, provides up to 20 emergency shelter spaces as well as up to 25 beds in shared transitional housing with support services for men and women who may otherwise be homeless. The mission also provides daily meal service for up to 75 people.

Strong community partnerships contributed to the success of the project, including donated materials and labour during construction.

John Les, MLA for Chilliwack, announced provincial capital funding of $387,000 at the February opening event. Today's announcement provides an annual operating subsidy of $175,000 to Ruth & Naomi's Mission Society to help provide transitional housing tenants with access to training, schooling and counselling.

Quotes:

Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Housing -

"Safe housing is an important first step towards permanently helping people who are homeless. We also need to find ways to provide services that enable them to rebuild their lives. Today's funding will help to do both - creating a pathway to a happy, healthy future for the homeless."

John Les, MLA for Chilliwack -

"The Ruth & Naomi Mission provides a much-needed resource for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in our community. I commend the society for bringing partners to the table who will work together to ensure a brighter future for individuals in Chilliwack who need our help the most."

Wayne Massey, board chair, Ruth & Naomi Mission Society -

"As a realtor, I have dedicated my career to helping people find homes that they will love. But we must always remember that there are people in our community who need a different kind of help finding a home. The Ruth & Naomi Mission is a fine example of what we can accomplish as a community - and I want to thank the Province for their support of our work."

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 2010/11 the Province invested over $8.3 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for 1,098 Chilliwack households.
• The Vision of Ruth & Naomi's Mission is to serve and share the gospel to establish a connection between the church, the business community and street culture.

Learn More:

• Visit www.bchousing.org/Initiatives/Creating/PHI to learn more about provincial programs and services to address homelessness.
• To read how the provincial housing strategy is helping British Columbians, visit: http://www.bchousing.org/Media/Stories
• To learn more about Ruth & Naomi's Mission visit www.ruthandnaomis.ca

Contact:

Seumas Gordon
BC Housing
604 439-4789
604 417-5791 cell