People who are homeless or at risk will now have access to supportive housing and onsite health services at the new Chilliwack Health and Housing Centre.

The two-storey former hotel located at 45921 Hocking Ave. in Chilliwack incorporates a 22-unit supportive housing component, Annis Residences, managed and operated by Pacific Community Resources Society (PCRS). The development also includes a health contact centre, which will provide a broad range of community support services delivered by PCRS and Fraser Health.

Funding for this project was provided by:

• The B.C. Government, with over $3.5 million towards capital costs and approximately $230,000 in annual operational funding for the residential component.
• The City of Chilliwack, with a $500,000 contribution.
• Pacific Community Resource Society, with $50,000 in equity towards the project.
• The Real Estate Foundation of B.C., with a $50,000 contribution.
• Fraser Health, who will provide $25,000 annually for three years towards the operating costs of the Health Contact Centre and $33,000 in annual operational funding for the residential component. Fraser Health will also make significant contributions through primary-care, mental-health and substance-use services provided in the centre.

Renovations that included life and safety upgrades to the existing building and the addition of small kitchens to the suites to create self-contained studio units were completed in June 2013. Tenants began moving into the supportive housing apartments in mid-September 2013 through a phased approach in order to accommodate resident needs and establish community.

Quotes:

John Martin, MLA

"Homelessness Action Week provides an opportunity for us to reflect on the successes and challenges of breaking the cycle of homelessness. Our government believes that with strong partnerships we can create increased supportive housing options for people who are homeless or at risk, not only in our community but across the province. The Chilliwack Health and Housing Contact Centre is an excellent example of this, providing our community's most vulnerable with 22 apartments of supportive housing and health services in one centralized location."

Sharon Gaetz, mayor, City of

"A tremendous amount of time and effort by so many has gone into taking this centre from vision to reality. We are extremely pleased that the day has come for this development to open its doors and serve those most at risk in our community. I, for one, can't wait to see the difference this centre will make to our city."

Andy Libbiter, executive director, mental health and substance use, Fraser Health -

"Fraser Health seeks to provide support for people who are living with mental-health or substance-use challenges in settings that best meet their needs. Having supportive housing and health services in one location will make a huge difference to the lives of many people in the community of Chilliwack."

Jack Wong, CEO, Real Estate Foundation -

"The Real Estate Foundation of B.C. believes that affordable housing is a key piece of a sustainable community. The Chilliwack Health and Housing Contact Centre will make it easier for homeless and at risk individuals to access the housing and services they need, and we are very pleased to have contributed to this."

Ingrid Kastens, executive director, Pacific Community Resources Society -

"The Health and Housing Centre in Chilliwack will provide much needed affordable housing, health and community supports, and quality of life to help residents and service recipients achieve their hopes, dreams and potential. It took many partners and the great community of Chilliwack to make this day come. I'm happy that Pacific Community Resources Society has the opportunity to contribute in any way we can."

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the B.C. Government has invested $3.6 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families. This year, more than 98,000 B.C. households will benefit from provincial housing programs and services.
• In 2012-13, the B.C. Government invested nearly $5.7 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for over 1,100 households in Chilliwack.
• 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:

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

To learn more about Pacific Community Resource Society, please visit: www.pcrs.ca

Media Contact:

Fergus McCann
BC Housing
778 452-6445