Aboriginal foster families, youth transitioning out of foster care and low-income families now have access to 24 new units of affordable housing with the official opening of the Dave Pranteau Aboriginal Children's Village today.

Located at 2980 Nanaimo St., the development also will serve as a community gathering place for youth-related cultural activities and programs, such as an Aboriginal art mentorship program, as well as numerous drum and dance groups. Counselling and support for families and children in addition to facilitated training for foster parents and respite workers are available onsite.

Project partners and funding include:

• The Government of Canada provided $710,000.
• The B.C. government contributed over $5.2 million.
• The City of Vancouver provided $240,000 in funding in addition to waiver and levy reductions of $214,337.
• Lu'ma Native Housing Society contributed approximately $10.6 million through a combination of equity and financing.

Dave Pranteau Aboriginal Children's Village tenants began moving in September 2012 and the housing portion of the development is now fully occupied. The development is owned, managed and operated by the Lu'ma Native Housing Society.

Quotes:

Hon. Candice Bergen, Minister of State for Social Development -

"Our government is committed to working with our partners and communities to find effective, results-based, long-term solutions to end homelessness. We are pleased to be a partner in the Dave Pranteau Aboriginal Children's Village which will provide much-needed housing for Aboriginal youth and low-income families in Vancouver."

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

"Dave Pranteau Aboriginal Children's Village will provide a place for foster families, youth coming out of care and low-income families to call their own - homes where children can develop in an environment of caring and security. That's the goal of our housing strategy, to work in partnership with the community to create housing for those most in need."

Suzanne Anton, Attorney General and Minister of Justice -

"The Dave Pranteau Aboriginal Children's Village is a great example of what can be achieved when partners work together to provide a safe environment in which young people can grow. It is fitting that this tremendous community resource that provides housing support for foster families and young people transitioning out of foster care officially opens its doors during Foster Family Month."

Mayor Gregor Robertson, City of Vancouver -

"This collaborative project demonstrates the progress that can be made when the community and all levels of government work together on new affordable housing. The Aboriginal Children's Village is already providing crucial new affordable housing units for Aboriginal foster families, youth in transition, and low-income families - building on our collective work to expand affordable housing options throughout Vancouver."

"The City of Vancouver is proud to be partnering with all levels of government, the community and the Lu'ma Native Housing Society on a project that will make a real difference in the lives of Aboriginal families and youth."

Ken Clement, president, Lu'ma Native Housing Society -

"For over 30 years, Lu'ma's main goal has been to provide safe and affordable housing for Aboriginal families and individuals. We would like to acknowledge all our partners for supporting Lu'ma's mandate, providing us with the opportunity to support Aboriginal families and youth at risk in the community through the Dave Pranteau Aboriginal Children's Village."

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.
• The Aboriginal Housing Initiative (AHI) funds new, affordable housing for Aboriginal people living off-reserve and to meet long-term Aboriginal housing needs. Through the AHI, 220 housing units were completed in eight B.C. communities to create safe, secure and culturally appropriate housing for youth, women and elders.
• An additional $5 million investment was made in partnership with the federal government and the Aboriginal Housing and Management Association (AHMA) to create new affordable housing for Aboriginal households in need.
• Over 4,200 subsidized housing units have been transferred to AHMA to support Aboriginal self-management of social housing.
• Lu'ma Native Housing Society was incorporated in 1980 to provide affordable housing to Aboriginal families and individuals with low to moderate income. The society currently owns and operates an affordable housing portfolio in excess of 300 units as well as a range of other services, including Community Voice Mail (a service that provides a lifeline for the homeless of the GVRD in partnership with over 100 agencies across the Lower Mainland), and the First Nations Patients' Lodge. It also acts as the community entity to deliver Homelessness Partnering Strategy funds to alleviate Aboriginal homelessness in Metro Vancouver on behalf of Canada and the Aboriginal community.

Learn More:

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

To learn more about the Lu'ma Native Housing Society, please visit: www.lnhs.ca

Contacts:

Fergus McCann
BC Housing
778 452-6445

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819 994-5559