A new 27-unit housing development that offers affordable, supportive housing for women and women with children was officially opened today.

Rose Harbour is operated by the Campbell River and North Island Transition Society. Residents have a number of services available to them, including one-on-one support, a nurse practitioner clinic once a week, yoga and meditation classes, child support worker access, self-development workshops, public health nurse and vaccination clinics. READY TO RENT tenancy training is also offered to help residents when they are ready to move into independent housing.

The four-storey building, located at 1116 Dogwood St., was built through a partnership between the B.C. government and the City of Campbell River:

• The B.C. government arranged $6 million in construction financing and annual operational funding of over $600,000.
• The City of Campbell River provided the land valued at $431,072.

Last year, the B.C. government invested over $4 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for 698 Campbell River households. This includes 283 families supported through independent housing and monthly rental assistance; close to 200 affordable homes for seniors and people with disabilities; and more than 150 seniors' households who receive rental assistance to help keep the cost of their private market rentals more affordable.

Quotes:

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

"All the partners in this project came to the table with a common goal - a development that offers safe, affordable homes for women in the community. Working together we made it a reality. This is a shared accomplishment, one that gives women at risk in Campbell River the safety and stability they need to help rebuild their lives."

Andy Adams, acting mayor, City of

"Providing safe, supportive housing for women at risk in our community is an important priority for the City of Campbell River. The opening of Rose Harbour provides another valuable step in the road to self sufficiency in a safe environment providing the necessary tools, resources and support to succeed. We would like to thank our partners for making this development a reality."

Valery Puetz, executive director, Campbell River and North Island Transition Society -

"Rose Harbour provides women at risk in our community with not only safe, secure housing to call their own but also a venue in which our society can provide the support services they need to help re-establish their lives. We are delighted to officially celebrate the opening of this development and we look forward to helping those who reside here."

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.
• Established in 1985, Campbell River and North Island Transition Society (CRNITIS) is a non-profit registered society providing service to women and children who are dealing with issues of abuse and violence.
• Since 1987, CRNITIS has operated the Ann Elmore Transition House which provides a shelter for women and children.
• In 1997, services were expanded to include residential recovery from substance addiction in addition to various projects and programs.

Learn More:

To learn more about government programs and services to address homelessness, visit: www.bchousing.org/Initiatives/Creating/PHI

To learn more about Campbell River and North Island Transition Society, visit www.annelmorehouse.ca

Contact:

Fergus McCann
BC Housing
778 452-6445

Ross Blackwell
City of Campbell River
250 286-5748