The government of B.C., in partnership with the Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA), has transferred ownership and management of 428 properties in rural communities throughout the B.C. mainland to three non-profit Aboriginal housing providers.

Three Aboriginal housing providers were selected from a Request for Proposals that awarded:

• 306 units in the northern regions of the province, the South Cariboo and the Sunshine Coast to M'akola Housing Society.
• 97 units in the Kootenays and the Okanagan to Kamloops Native Housing Society.
• 25 units in the Fraser Valley to the Mamele'awt Queensome Housing Society.

This completes the transfer of the Rural Native Housing (RNH) properties in 112 rural communities throughout B.C., to Aboriginal non-profit housing providers. The first phase was completed in 2011 when ownership and management of 71 RNH properties on Vancouver Island was awarded to M'akola Housing Society. The total assessed value of the RNH properties is approximately $88 million.

Since 2004, more than 4,200 housing units have been transferred to AHMA. The transfers encompass Aboriginal Housing units, Rural Native Housing program properties, emergency shelters and the Aboriginal Homeless Outreach Program that operates in nine communities.

Quotes:

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

"Addressing Aboriginal housing need is a priority for our government and this transfer marks another milestone towards meeting that goal. Since 2004, we have transferred over 4,200 housing units to Aboriginal providers, giving Aboriginal people more control over their housing options."

Ida Chong, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation -

"The final transfer of the ownership and management of the Rural Native Housing from government to Aboriginal housing providers is another demonstration of our commitment to safe, affordable and culturally appropriate social housing for Aboriginal Peoples. This Aboriginal self-management model is the first of its kind in Canada and better serves the needs of Aboriginal Peoples in British Columbia."

Margaret Pfoh, acting CEO, Aboriginal Housing Management Association -

"AHMA extends congratulations to both the government of B.C. and our housing partners on the successful devolution of the Rural Native Housing portfolio to Aboriginal housing providers. The transfer of these properties is an important milestone in addressing the housing needs of off-reserve indigenous people. AHMA is looking forward to working with our partners and delivering on our commitment to provide program leadership and support to enhance the quality of non-profit housing for off-reserve people who need it most."

Ruth Williams, president, Kamloops Native Housing Society -

"As housing providers, we want housing solutions for Aboriginal people, and we believe that having a team of Aboriginal providers and managers such as AHMA we can feel connected as a group while incorporating our traditional values in the delivery of affordable housing."

Quick Facts:

• Through Housing Matters BC, the government of B.C. is addressing a range of housing needs, from homelessness to affordable rental housing and homeownership.
• The properties were part of the RNH program, transferred to the Province from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation in 2007. They are composed mainly of single-family houses that are located in small and rural communities throughout the province.
• The Aboriginal Housing Management Association is a non-profit organization committed to having all Aboriginal housing in B.C. owned, operated, and managed by the Aboriginal community. AHMA's role is to support the development of new Aboriginal housing, administer operating agreements, manage housing subsidies and develop capacity within the Aboriginal Housing sector.
• Incorporated in 1987, Kamloops Native Housing Society's mission is to ensure safe, clean, comfortable and affordable housing for Elders, singles and families.

Learn More:

To find out more about affordable housing in B.C., visit: www.bchousing.org

Visit the Aboriginal Housing Management Association website: www.ahma-bc.org

Media Contact:

Fergus McCann
BC Housing
778 452-6445