Minister Responsible for Housing Rich Coleman joined community partners and private donors in congratulating Streetohome Foundation for reaching its $26.5-million fundraising goal to help end homelessness in Vancouver.

Streetohome Foundation launched its fundraising campaign in May 2010 and immediately committed to help build eight new supportive housing developments with the Province and the City. Under the partnership, Streetohome committed to raise $20 million, the Province invested around $200 million and the City of Vancouver contributed the land.

Streetohome reached its fundraising goal in just over two years. Together the partners will create close to 950 supportive apartments, affordable homes with supports and services, for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Quotes:

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

"I want to congratulate Streetohome on reaching their fundraising target. They have done an amazing job and their efforts will help give people in need a safe, affordable home and a chance to create a better life."

"Thanks to the many donors - residents and corporate citizens - who supported Streetohome Foundation's campaign. This is a powerful demonstration of our collective will to end homelessness in Vancouver and I look forward to continued partnerships and successes."

Margaret MacDiarmid, Minister of Health -

"I want to thank everyone involved with this campaign for their hard work and generosity. This is a wonderful example of how governments can work together with private and social enterprises to find solutions to the complex issue of homelessness and make a real difference to those in need."

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $3.2 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families. This year, more than 97,000 B.C. households will benefit from provincial social housing programs and services.

• The B.C. government and the City of Vancouver are building 14 new supportive housing developments in Vancouver (approximately 1,500 apartments). To date, seven of these developments are open and the remaining projects are under construction or in development.

• Streetohome Foundation's funds will be used to support the development of eight of these sites including: Sanford Apartments (1601 W 7th Ave.), 215 W 2nd Ave., 1134 Burrard St., 111 Princess Ave., 675 E Broadway, 220 Princess Ave. and 1050 Expo Blvd.

• In 2011-12, the government of B.C. invested $142 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements to almost 26,000 low-income individuals, seniors and families in Vancouver.

• Since 2001, the B.C. government has developed and preserved more than 6,400 housing units in the City of Vancouver.

Learn More:

For information on provincial social housing programs and services: www.bchousing.org

Contact:

Fergus McCann
BC Housing
778 452-6445
604 561-4375 (cell)