Construction is underway for Uplands Walk, a new 33-unit supportive housing development for homeless or at-risk of homelessness individuals in Nanaimo that is being built through a partnership between the B.C. government and the City of Nanaimo.

Funding for this project will be provided by:

• The B.C. government, who will provide construction financing of approximately $7.3 million and annual operating funding of nearly $996,000.
• The City of Nanaimo, who provided the land valued at approximately $307,000 and will waive development-cost charges and site-servicing fees of approximately $229,000.

Once complete, the building at 6025 Uplands Drive in Nanaimo will provide 33 supportive housing apartments for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and one respite unit. The building includes a common dining space/lounge, a kitchen, common laundry, bike storage and a bed-bug sauna. Two staff members will be onsite at all times. This development will be managed and operated by Pacifica Housing Advisory Association.

Construction is expected to be complete by fall 2014.

Quotes:

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

"The Province is committed to seeking out new opportunities for progressive and supportive housing solutions for British Columbians who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Uplands Walk is an excellent example of this, providing vulnerable citizens in Nanaimo with the safe, supportive housing they need to begin rebuilding their lives."

Michelle Stilwell, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum -

"Partnerships with government, local municipalities and housing providers create options in our communities for those in need. This partnership with the city and Pacifica Housing on the new Uplands Walk development will give individuals a safe place to call home with on-site supports to help them address their challenges."

Mayor John Ruttan, City of Nanaimo -

"The City of Nanaimo greatly supports projects that integrate affordable and supportive housing with our existing communities. This is why we have provided the land for this project and a number of other social housing developments. We will continue to work with the residences from this community and Pacifica Housing to ensure this development and its tenants are a complement to this neighbourhood."

Karyn French, executive director, Pacifica Housing Advisory Association -

"Pacifica Housing has made it our goal to bring this project to fruition by working with the local community to understand their concerns and we will continue to work with them to ensure a smooth integration. Breaking ground today is a milestone achievement and will mean that this site will become home to 33 adults who for many reasons need the opportunity to succeed in life."

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 social housing programs and services.
• This is the third project to begin construction to create more supportive housing units in Nanaimo under the partnership between the B.C. government and the City of Nanaimo.
• In 2012/13, the B.C. government invested over $10 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for more than 2,000 households in Nanaimo. This includes providing support for almost 1,000 senior households and 675 family households.
• Pacifica Housing is a non-profit charitable organization that provides affordable housing for low-income families, persons with a disability and adults who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Pacifica Housing currently provides over 800 units of affordable housing including 137 units of permanent supported housing to single adults and couples who have faced homelessness or who are at risk of being homeless due to mental health and/or addictions issues. Individuals are referred to Pacifica Housing through the Downtown Outreach Services office or other community groups that work closely with people who face these challenges.

Learn More:

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

To learn more about Pacifica Housing Advisory Association, visit: www.pacificahousing.ca

Contact:

Fergus McCann
BC Housing
778 452-6445