Today marked the official opening of the newly redeveloped Kinghaven Treatment Centre, providing 62 men at-risk of homelessness due to problematic substance use with treatment and support services in Abbotsford.

Located at 31250 King Rd., the $5-million treatment centre replaces the original 58-bed treatment centre at the same site.

The Kinghaven Peardonville House Society operates Kinghaven, which is the only treatment centre in B.C. where men can detox, take part in a stabilization and transitional living program followed by an intensive therapy program, and move on to the George Schmidt Centre, a second-stage housing all provided in one location.

Project partners and funding:

• The Government of B.C. arranged long-term financing for more than $3.7 million.
• The Kinghaven Peardonville House Society provided the land valued at $805,000, along with $500,000 in equity.

The Province also announced today $1 million in funding to support the Kinghaven Peardonville Society to develop a three-year pilot project aimed at reintegrating men recovering from mental health and substance use into the community. The pilot project will build on the society’s existing treatment program at Kinghaven to provide men with educational tools and skills to improve their employment opportunities when they leave.

This investment aligns with the provincial government's 10-year mental-health and substance-use plan, Healthy Minds, Healthy People, which focuses on prevention, early intervention, treatment and sustainability. Today’s announcement fulfils an action item of providing more substance use services under Healthy Minds, Healthy People, which was included in the Minister of Health’s mandate letter in 2014.

As well, the Ministry of Health recently released several policy papers which outline the strategic service priorities for the health sector. These priorities focus on building primary- and community-care supports to better meet the needs of individuals, including those with mental-health and substance-use challenges.

Quotes:

Darryl Plecas, MLA for Abbostford South -

“The Province is proud to invest in facilities like the Kinghaven Treatment Centre, providing vulnerable men with housing and services to help stabilize their lives. With the addition of the Ministry of Health’s investment of $1 million to enhance programming, I know that residents will benefit from of the best supportive environments available for recovery, helping them focus and rebuild their lives for the better.”

Mayor Henry Braun, City of Abbotsford -

“We are impressed with the success of the Kinghaven Peardonville House Society for their ongoing treatment of those with mental-health and substance-use problems. I have seen first-hand the powerful impact this program can have on lives, and the redevelopment of Kinghaven will enhance and expand options for current and future residents.”

Milt Walker, executive director, Kinghaven Peardonville House Society -

“For nearly 45 years, our society has supported men on their recovery journeys as they overcome addictions. The opening of the newly redeveloped Kinghaven Treatment Centre, along with this funding from the Ministry of Health, allows us to expand our services and programming to help men at risk for many more years to come.”

Quick facts:

• 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 Province invested over $6.8 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for 1,843 Abbotsford households.
• Since 1971, the Kinghaven Peardonville House Society has helped provide support and treatment to men and women with addiction and/or mental health challenges. To date, the society has helped serve and support more than 22,000 men in need.

Learn more:

Kinghaven Treatment Centre: http://kinghaven.ca

Follow BC Housing on Twitter: @BC_Housing (twitter.com)

Media Contacts:

Elaine McKay
BC Housing
778 452-6476

Laura Heinze
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)