A new, 10-bed licensed care home for individuals with mental-health challenges has officially opened, providing important rehabilitative services to men and women living on the North Shore.

The Province provided approximately $1.5 million in long-term financing for the project, and will provide annual operating funding of more than $68,000.

Operated by Marineview Housing Society, the home is staffed 24 hours a day and is licensed under the Community Care and Assisted Living Act. With the help of staff, residents establish individual rehabilitation plans which focus on symptom management, developing life skills and daily living activities. The aim for each resident is to gain independence and lead productive and fulfilling lives.

Located at 1053 Grand Blvd., the two-storey building is fully accessible, and includes 10 bedrooms, four bathrooms and a common kitchen, living and dining area.

Quotes:

Naomi Yamamoto, MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale, Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business -

“We are giving the 10 people who live in this home a real opportunity to focus their energy on attaining self-sufficiency. This is more than just secure housing ─ it’s about connecting these people with the specialized supports they need to help them regain their independence.”

Ross Stewart, executive director, Marineview Housing Society -

“This home is an ideal place for us to continue to help our clients through their journey of recovery and rehabilitation. There are no timelines for recovery, and having stable housing gives us the chance to help people discover their independence at their own pace. We are very grateful for this beautiful new home.”

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 $11.6 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for more than 2,800 households in North Vancouver.

Learn More:

For more information on provincial affordable housing programs and efforts to end homelessness in B.C., please visit: www.housingmattersbc.ca/factsheets.html and www.bchousing.org

Established in 1975, Marineview Housing Society provides housing and support services to assist individuals with mental health issues living on the North Shore. Marineview Housing Society operates three licensed care homes and an independent-living apartment building. For more information, visit: www.marineviewhousing.com

The Marineview Housing Society is a contracted agency of Vancouver Coastal Health's (VCH) North Shore Mental Health and Addiction Services (MH&A). All residents in the society facilities are referred through the Community Residential Program of MH&A and receive ongoing mental-health and substance-use treatment, support and case management services from VCH. For more information about VCH, please visit: http://www.vch.ca/about-us/

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

Media Contacts:

Elaine McKay
BC Housing
778 452-6476