Construction is underway on the 12th new supportive housing development in Vancouver, a 99-unit development for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Project partners and funding:

• The B.C. government will provide $22.3 million in construction financing, $2.5 million for the youth centre as well as annual operational funding for both the residential portion and the youth centre.

• The City of Vancouver donated the land valued at over $3 million, waived development cost charges and $4.65 million for the construction of commercial space.

• Streetohome Foundation will provide nearly $2 million for this project.

Once complete, the building at 2465 Fraser St. will offer 69 apartments for adults who are homeless and at risk of homelessness and 30 apartments for youth that will be operated by the Vancouver Native Housing Society. It will also include a new youth resource centre run by Pacific Community Resources Society who, together with partner agencies, will provide support services for both resident youth as well as at-risk youth in the surrounding neighbourhood. This new youth centre will replace the Broadway Youth Resource Centre, which has served the community for the past 14 years.

The building is the 12th of 14 developments built through a partnership between the Province and the City of Vancouver where the B.C. government is contributing more than $300 million in capital costs and the city is contributing the land. Construction on the Fraser Street site is anticipated to be complete by late spring 2014.

Quotes:

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

"Our government understands the important role supportive housing plays in helping to break the cycle of homelessness in communities across the province. We have committed approximately $300 million to build over 1,500 supportive housing apartments in Vancouver, including the development at Fraser Street, to ensure those in need have access to safe, supportive housing in order to help Vancouver adults and youth in need."

Mayor Gregor Robertson, City of Vancouver -

"There is a crucial need for new supportive housing in Vancouver, and this project is a strong example of the kind of partnerships we need to solve homelessness. The 99 new supportive housing units at 2465 Fraser St. will provide a safe place to live and access to life-changing services for Vancouver's most vulnerable residents, especially homeless and at-risk youth."

"The City of Vancouver is committed to building a city where no one of any age is forced to sleep on the street, and 2465 Fraser is another important step toward our goal of ending street homelessness in Vancouver by 2015."

Rob Turnbull, president and CEO, Streetohome Foundation -

"Homelessness is a complex issue. Individuals may be coming from a place of poverty, abuse, isolation or trauma, and living with mental health and/or addictions challenges, in addition to poor physical health. Streetohome is proud to be involved in a project that will provide 69 adults and 30 youth with a home of their own and the support services that will address their individual needs."

Dave Eddy, chief executive officer, Vancouver Native Housing Society -

"Tenants who will call this building home will be given the opportunity for a fresh start. We are looking forward to working alongside our partner, Pacific Community Resources Society, to create a safe and accepting environment, which will give our tenants the best chance to take advantage of the services they need to provide them with a gateway to a better life."

Ingrid Kastens, executive director, Pacific Community Resources Society -

"This project grew out of partnership between community organizations and government. It's a great example of what can be accomplished through collaboration and vision. The new home of the Broadway Youth Resource Centre, which will be housed within the new site, serves many young people every day who are hungry and sleeping in unsafe places in our community. The support services and the housing will make a life-altering difference for both the young people and adults who will reside in this long-term community asset."

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.

• In 2011-12, the B.C. government invested approximately $142.6 million to provide subsidized housing for more than 25,800 Vancouver households.

• For over 20 years, the Vancouver Native Housing Society has been dedicated to providing housing for the urban Aboriginal community. They also provide programs that enrich the lives of their tenants and others in the community.

• Pacific Community Resources Society (PCRS), a non-profit community social services agency created in 1984, provides a broad range of services to support children, youth, families and adults from Vancouver to Chilliwack and Hope, including housing, addiction services, employment, alternative education, youth and family services, and immigrant supports. PCRS serves more than 10,000 individuals a year.

Learn More:

For information on provincial housing programs: www.bchousing.org

To learn more about the Vancouver Native Housing Society, visit: www.vnhs.ca

To learn more about the Pacific Community Resources Society, visit: www.pcrs.ca

To learn more about the Streetohome Foundation, visit: www.streetohome.org

Contact:

Fergus McCann
BC Housing
778 452-6445