The B.C. government is providing grants to two community organizations that play a key role in housing assistance for Quesnel residents.

• The Quesnel Lions Club will receive $10,000 to develop plans for seniors housing on land owned by the society. The funding will help the Lions Club explore the needs and opportunities involved in creating a housing project.
• The Quesnel Women's Resource Centre, which operates the local Drop-In Centre has been given a $5,000 grant to support women coping with domestic abuse.

Quotes:

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

"These grants will help local community groups address housing needs at the grassroots level. We welcome the opportunity to support the Quesnel Lions Club plan to create seniors housing. The funding to the Quesnel Women's Resource Centre will enhance the services they can provide to women at risk of abuse."

Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour -

"The government of B.C. is committed to supporting community efforts to help victims of domestic abuse and this grant will play a key role in doing that in Quesnel. In addition, the grant to the Quesnel Lions Club is going to a great organization that has had the foresight to purchase property that is now a potential home for housing for seniors."

Mitchell Vik, President Quesnel Lions Housing Society -

"We appreciate the support of the Government of B.C. in helping us work on developing a proposal to expand the housing options for seniors in Quesnel. The need for affordable seniors housing in Quesnel is significant and with this support we are one step closer to making this project a reality."

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, about 100,000 B.C. households will benefit from provincial social housing programs and services.
• Last year the B.C. government invested over $1.7 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for more than 290 Quesnel households.

Contacts:

Fergus McCann

BC Housing

778-452-6445