People living with brain injuries will soon have more access to affordable rental housing with support services in Campbell River.

The governments of Canada and B.C. have announced the purchase and renovation of two 12-unit apartment buildings in the city, and approximately half of the units will be specifically for people with brain injuries.

An onsite manager, as well as a support worker, will be available to help tenants with personal care, food safety, medical checks and reminders about appointments. The remaining units will be available to individuals with low to moderate incomes.

Renovations are scheduled to be completed by August 2015. The Campbell River Head Injury Support Society will own and operate the buildings located at 1710 and 1720 16th Ave.

Quick facts:

• The governments of Canada and B.C. will provide a combined investment of approximately $400,000 through the Federal-Provincial Housing initiative: www.bchousing.org/Initiatives/Creating/FPHi - under the Canada-B.C. Agreement for Investment in Affordable Housing 2011-2014: www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/corp/nero/nere/2011/2011-07-04-0930.cfm - which was extended until 2019: www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/corp/nero/nere/2014/2014-03-04-1530.cfm
• The B.C. government also arranged construction financing of over $1.4 million.
• The City of Campbell River provided a $10,000 grant.

Quotes:

John Duncan, Minister of State, on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development) -

“I am delighted that renovations are going to take place on this project. The re-opening of these 24 units will bring more suitable and affordable accommodation to Campbell River, giving those living with brain injuries the opportunity to remain and thrive in their community - one that they know and love. ”

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

“The acquisition and renewal of these apartments, along with the supports offered, will make it easier for those living with brain injuries to access housing and to gain greater self-reliance and independence.”

Mayor Andy Adams, City of Campbell River -

“Investments in affordable housing projects like this make a real difference in communities like Campbell River. Together, we can ensure those living with brain injuries remain integral and valued members of the community. Congratulations to our government partners and the Campbell River Head Injury Support Society for this success.”

Shelley Howard, executive director, Campbell River Head Injury Support Society -

“These buildings will serve as a model to other communities on ways to address the housing needs of low-income people living with brain injuries. Safe, affordable housing with supports will allow the tenants to move forward with their lives while contributing to society.”

Associated links:

• Annually, the Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), invests 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. Economic Action Plan 2013 continued this commitment with a federal investment of more than $1.25 billion over five years to renew the Investment in Affordable Housing to 2019. The Government of Canada will ensure that funds provided to provinces and territories support the use of apprentices, which will support training of skilled labour. 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
• Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $4 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families. This year, nearly 100,000 B.C. households will benefit from provincial social housing programs and services.
• Last year, the B.C. government invested nearly $3.8 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for more than 670 Campbell River households. To find out more, visit www.bchousing.org
• The Campbell River Head Injury Support Society is a non-profit charitable organization that provides education, support, advocacy, and fellowship to brain injury survivors, their caregivers and families, and provides education to the general public about brain injuries. For more information: crhead.weebly.com

Stay connected:

Follow CMHC on Twitter: @CMHC_ca

Follow BC Housing on Twitter: @BC_Housing

Media Contacts:

Donna Cairns
BC Housing
604 439-4758

Jeanette Wilkinson
CMHC
604 737-4025

Shelley Howard
Campbell River Head Injury Support Society
250 287-4323