An affordable home-ownership project for low-to-moderate-income families is one step closer to reality after a partnership was announced today between the Province and Habitat for Humanity.

The B.C. government is transferring a property, located at 8180 Ash St. in Richmond, to Habitat for Humanity Society of Greater Vancouver where six families will have the opportunity to become first-time homeowners under the Habitat for Humanity program. Each home will incorporate a rental suite offering mortgage assistance to the homeowners and adding to the number of affordable rental units in Richmond.

Through volunteer labour and donations of money and materials, Habitat for Humanity works with partner families to build safe, decent, affordable housing. Houses are sold to partner families with no down-payment and are financed with affordable, no-interest mortgages. Families invest 500 hours of their own labour, called "sweat equity", into building their own houses and those of other families.

Quotes:

Linda Reid, MLA for Richmond East -

"Our government has partnered with Habitat for Humanity on a number of projects to help make the dream of home ownership available to low-to-moderate-income families in our province. I am delighted to announce this project with Habitat, right here in Richmond, where six families will soon have a chance to own their own home and put down roots in our community."

John Yap, MLA for Richmond-Steveston -

"Partnerships such as this help our government deliver on more affordable housing options for families in need throughout our province and right here in our home community. This is a great day for our community."

Rob Howard, MLA for Richmond Centre -

"This area of East Richmond is perfect for growing families because of its close proximity to schools, community services and shopping conveniences. Our community will surely benefit from this new development and our government couldn't be happier for the future families who will reside here."

Tim Clark, interim chief executive officer, Habitat for Humanity Society of Greater Vancouver -

"Habitat for Humanity's mission is to mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting home ownership as a means to breaking the cycle of poverty. We are excited to partner with the B.C. government on this project to further our mission."

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 housing programs and services.

• Under B.C.'s Family Agenda, government is committed to improving housing for low-income families, seniors and people experiencing homelessness.

• In 2011-12, the B.C. government invested over $9 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for more than 3,400 Richmond households.

Learn More:

To learn more about provincial housing programs and services, visit: www.bchousing.org

Information about the Province's housing strategy, Housing Matters BC, can be found at: www.housingmattersbc.ca

To learn more about Habitat for Humanity Society of Greater Vancouver and its affordable homeownership model, visit: www.habitatgv.ca

Media Contact:

Fergus McCann
BC Housing
778 452-6445