Single mothers and their children who were at risk of homelessness have moved into their new home at YWCA Alder Gardens, a new 36-unit supportive housing development in Surrey.

The project is funded by:

• The Government of Canada through $461,026 under the Homelessness Partnering Strategy.

• The Province provided a grant of almost $9 million and will provide annual operational funding of $ 212,311.

• The City of Surrey provided land equity valued at $1.4 million as well as municipal levy reduction of $1.1 million.

• YWCA Metro Vancouver and its supporters provided equity of $556,974 for the project.

YWCA Metro Vancouver manages and operates the building and provides support services that include tools and resources for residents to build their economic independence and prevent future homelessness. A property manager will be on-site and a support worker with strong links in the community will refer residents to local programs for children, youth and families.

YWCA Alder Gardens, located at 13788 - 71st Ave., is the first project to be complete under an agreement between the Province and the City of Surrey to create 103 new supportive housing units on city-owned sites to reduce homelessness in Surrey. The building includes a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments, common amenity space, an outdoor play areas and community meeting spaces.

Quotes:

Nina Grewal, MP for Fleetwood-Port Kells -

"The Government of Canada is giving a hand-up to Canadians with housing needs and is helping those seeking to break free from the cycle of homelessness and poverty. We are pleased to have partnered with the YWCA Metro Vancouver to help prevent and reduce homelessness among women and children in the community."

Stephanie Cadieux, Minister of Social Development and MLA for Surrey-Panorama -

"The Province's investment in this building will benefit single mothers, children and the Surrey-Newton community today and into the future. YWCA Alder Gardens is more than just an apartment building for the families living here. It's their home and a secure place where they are free to enjoy their lives and fulfil their potential."

Mayor Dianne Watts, City of Surrey -

"Today's opening event for YWCA Alder Gardens represents the commitment from three levels of government to create housing that supports families most in need. This project is very important for the City as it is the first building to be completed under our agreement with the Province to build supportive housing for those most in need in Surrey."

Janet Austin, CEO, YWCA Metro Vancouver -

"YWCA Metro Vancouver would not be able to carry out the work we do without the dedication and commitment of our partners, donors and community supporters. We are thrilled to welcome the new residents of YWCA Alder Gardens who, with access to the broad range of YWCA services and supports, can work towards making a successful transition to economic independence. I would like to acknowledge our government partners and donors for making this new building an affordable housing option for our clients and their families.

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 $48 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for more than 6,800 Surrey households.

• The Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) is a unique community-based program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness by providing direct support and funding to 61 designated communities across Canada. The HPS took effect April 1, 2007, with annual funding of $134.8 million for two years.

• In September 2008, the Government of Canada committed to investing more than $1.9 billion in housing and homelessness programs over five years, until March 2014. This includes a renewal of the HPS until March 2014.

• As of April 23, 2012, a total of 1,984 approved projects totalling over $670 million were funded under the HPS to prevent and reduce homelessness in Canada.

• YWCA Metro Vancouver is a registered charity, providing a range of integrated services for women and their families, and those seeking to improve the quality of their lives. From early learning and care to housing, health and fitness, employment services and leadership, YWCA Metro Vancouver touches lives in communities.

Learn More:

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

For more information on the Homelessness Partnering Strategy and the seven funding streams, please visit: www.hrsdc.gc.ca/homelessness.

To learn more about programs and services offered by YWCA Metro Vancouver, please visit: www.ywcavan.org.

Contact:

Seumas Gordon
BC Housing
604 439-4789

Tara Foslien
City of Surrey
604 375-4584

Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559

Marian Ngo
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482