British Columbians at risk of becoming homeless have more support to find homes in the private market.

The new Homeless Prevention Program will make rent supplements and support services available to four at-risk groups.

The Homeless Prevention Program (HPP) assists youth transitioning out of foster care, women who have experienced violence or are at risk of violence, individuals leaving the hospital and correctional systems, and Aboriginal people. Monthly supplements provided to participants to put towards housing costs are funded through the Canada-B.C. Investment in Affordable Housing. The Province will also contribute additional funding to support services that connect clients to community supports, helping them to maintain successful tenancies. This will help prevent vulnerable British Columbians from becoming homeless.

Quick facts:

• The governments of Canada and B.C. will provide an estimated investment of $62.5 million over five years to the Homeless Prevention Program for rent supplements under the Canada-B.C. Agreement for Investment in Affordable Housing: http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/corp/nero/nere/2011/2011-07-04-0930.cfm
• The HPP is available in six communities around British Columbia and will grow to over 30 communities around the province.
• Over the next five years, it is estimated that the program will provide housing and support for up to 4,000 people.
  
  

(flickr.com)

Quotes:

The Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development) -

“Our Government has taken action to invest in housing and initiatives to combat homelessness because we recognize that having safe, permanent housing is an important first step towards a new transition in life. With their lives on track, individuals are then able to gain and upgrade skills which lead to jobs.’’
 
Rich Coleman, Deputy Premier of B.C. and Minister Responsible for Housing -

“Rent supplements offer a more flexible option for many people because they can choose where to live based on what suits their needs. The Homeless Prevention Program builds on our success with other rental assistance programs aimed at addressing homelessness by taking a more proactive approach and helping people in crisis.”

Christine Mohr, executive director, Options Community Services Society 

“Options Community Services is delighted to be a part of the Homeless Prevention Program. This funding will help enhance our existing programming and the support services we provide to help those at risk of homelessness, making a true difference in their lives.”

Associated links:

• To find out more about the Homeless Prevention Program (HPP), visit: www.bchousing.org/Initiatives/Access/HPP
• Annually, the Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), will invest approximately $2 billion in housing. These investments improve the quality of life for low-income Canadians and households living in existing social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people. To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC help Canadians meet their housing needs, call CMHC at 1 800 668-2642 or visit: www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca
• Each year, more than 100,000 B.C. households benefit from a range of provincial housing services, including 10,000 families and 17,000 seniors households that receive rental supplements. Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $4 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income people, seniors and families in communities throughout the province. To find out more about the B.C. government’s provincial housing strategy visit www.housingmattersbc.ca
• Options Community Services is a non-profit society and registered charity dedicated to empowering individuals, supporting families and promoting community health through a wide variety of programs and projects. To find out more information, visit: www.options.bc.ca (options.bc.castay)

Stay connected:

Follow CMHC on Twitter: @CMHC_ca (twitter.com)

Follow BC Housing on Twitter: @BC_Housing

Media Contacts:

Elaine McKay
BC Housing
778 452-6476

Andrea Scott
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Communications
BC Region
604 737-4064

BACKGROUNDER

HPP Communities and Operators - Phase I

Community: Courtenay
Non-Profit Operator: Dawn to Dawn Action on Homelessness Society
Client Group: All

Community: Kamloops
Non-Profit Operator: Kamloops AIDS Society
Client Group: All

Community: Richmond
Non-Profit Operator: Chimo Community Services Society
Client Group: All

Community: Surrey
Non-Profit Operator: Options Community Services Society
Client Group: All

Community: Surrey
Non-Profit Operator: Atira Women’s Resource Society
Client Group: Women

Community: Vancouver
Non-Profit Operator: Atira Women’s Resource Society
Client Group: Women

Community: Vancouver
Non-Profit Operator: The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre Association
Client Group: Women

Community: Victoria
Non-Profit Operator: Pacifica Housing Advisory Association
Client Group: All

Media Contacts:

Elaine McKay
BC Housing
778 452-6476

Andrea Scott
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Communications
BC Region
604 737-4064