Eagles Landing, a new 23-unit building funded by the government of B.C., is now officially open and providing transitional and supportive housing for women and their children fleeing domestic abuse in Prince Rupert.

The Province contributed over $5.4 million for the development, and will provide annual operational funding of over $730,000 along with program funding of $193,500. The Real Estate Foundation of B.C. provided a grant of $275,000. Northern Health is providing annual operational funding of approximately $54,000.

Eagles Landing was built on the site of the former Moresby Townhouses, an older, underutilized public housing development owned by the B.C. government, to meet the transitional and supportive housing needs of at-risk women and their children.

Transitional housing provides temporary apartments with support services for up to two years for women and children fleeing domestic abuse. This gives tenants the time and support they need to help stabilize their lives before moving on to more independent, permanent forms of housing. The building is managed and operated by North Coast Transition Society. The society provides a number of programs and support services to help women through their journey to full independence.

Quotes:

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

"Eagles Landing is a prime example of how we can repurpose a site and transform it to meet the changing needs in the community. This development will provide safe, affordable housing that will make a real difference in the lives of women and families in Prince Rupert."

Shirley Bond, Minister of Justice and Attorney General -

"Domestic violence can have a lasting, devastating impact on families and communities. A project like Eagles Landing gives women and children a safe place to go when they are fleeing violence in their own homes, a vital step for women trying to escape the cycle of violence. Projects like this are essential in providing support to vulnerable women and their children."

Mayor Jack Mussallem, City of Prince Rupert -

"The City has been supportive of this project since the early planning stages. This type of supportive housing fulfils a need to give women and children fleeing abuse safety and security. I know that women seeking temporary housing during challenging periods in their lives will find the support and services they need with the help of North Coast Transition Society."

Michael Melia, North West Mental Health and Addictions director for Northern Health -

"It has been proven that vulnerable clients living in transitional housing are more successful in gaining self-sufficiency when support services are available onsite. We are pleased to provide operational funding to provide health services for women in need at this new building."

Jack Wong, CEO of Real Estate Foundation of B.C. -

"Our foundation is pleased to support this new transition housing project for women and children. Secure, affordable homes can provide stability to people's lives and contribute to healthier, more resilient communities. Congratulations to all the partners that are helping make this happen in Prince Rupert."

Christine White, executive director of the North Coast Transition Society (NCTS)-

"It feels as if the moment has been reached that it has become the responsibility of the NCTS, with their community partners of Prince Rupert and area, to be the overseers of this project. Our goal is to provide a wide range of supports that assist people in achieving stability in their lives. By providing housing and support in a client-centred environment, NCTS builds relationships with clients and creates an environment of trust and opportunities for change, without judgments."

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.

* Under B.C.'s Family Agenda, government is committed to improving housing for low-income families, seniors, and people experiencing homelessness. To learn more, visit www.familiesfirstbc.ca.

* In 2011-12, the B.C. government invested over $2.6 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for more than 450 Prince Rupert households.

* North Coast Transition Society is a non-profit organization that provides services and programs for women and children survivors of violence. The Society publicly addresses issues of violence, homelessness, poverty, addictions and social justice.

Learn More:

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

* To learn more about North Coast Transition Society, please visit: www.ncts.ca

Contact:

Fergus McCann

BC Housing

778 452-6445

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect