Single women and women with children who were at risk of homelessness now have a new place to call home at Christine Lamb Residence, a new 41-unit supportive housing development in Abbotsford.

The Province provided approximately $8.9 million for this project. The City of Abbotsford provided the land valued at over $1.3 million and waived property taxes and development cost charges.

The four-storey development, located at 3096 Clearbrook Rd. in Abbotsford, is managed and operated by the Women's Resource Society of the Fraser Valley. The society also provides residents access to on-site support services, life skills programming and social activities.

This site is the first development to be completed under a partnership between the Province and the City of Abbotsford to build new supportive housing for people who are homeless in the community. The building includes a mix of studio and one- to four-bedroom apartments, a lounge, an amenity kitchen and office/meeting rooms.

Quotes:

Mike de Jong, Minister of Health and MLA for Abbotsford West -

"Christine Lamb Residence provides vulnerable women and their children more than just housing - it offers hope and the means to create positive changes. The individuals who will call this much-needed facility home now have greater access to the services and support they need to help rebuild their lives and truly fulfil their potential."

Mayor Bruce Banman, City of Abbotsford -

"The City of Abbotsford recognizes the positive impact supportive housing will have in the fight against homelessness in our community. I would like to thank all partners involved for their continuous dedication to the provision of safe, affordable housing for women and children in need."

Ellen Boyes, chairperson of the Women's Resource Society of the Fraser Valley -

"The Women's Resource Society of the Fraser Valley has over 25 years of experience providing services and support to vulnerable women and children across the Fraser Valley. Through Christine Lamb Residence, our society will continue to use our knowledge and experience to provide quality care and housing for these individuals for years to come."

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 $6.1 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for more than 1,600 Abbotsford households.
• For over 25 years, the Women's Resource Society of the Fraser Valley is a non-profit society dedicated to providing and promoting the development of services that will assist in the reduction of domestic violence against women and their children in the Fraser Valley.

Learn More:

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

To learn more about the Women's Resource Society of the Fraser Valley, visit: http://www.wrsfv.ca

Media contacts:

Seumas Gordon
BC Housing
604 439-4789

Katherine Jeffcoatt
City of Abbotsford
604 864-5564