Affordable seniors’ rental housing is being preserved in Penticton, thanks to approximately $6.5 million in long-term financing from the B.C. government to help a non-profit group purchase Charles Manor.

The 84-unit independent living seniors’ residence was recently purchased by the Vancouver Resource Society (VRS).

VRS will operate the building and continue to maintain the current support services provided to residents which include daily meals, weekly housekeeping, linen services, laundry services and scheduled leisure and fitness activities.

Located at 333 Martin St., the five-storey building has operated as a seniors’ residence since 2004 and is comprised of studio, one and two-bedroom units and eight ground floor commercial spaces. Conveniently located near the downtown core of Penticton, residents have easy access to a range of commercial and retail amenities, restaurants, walking paths and parks.

Quotes:

Dan Ashton, MLA for Penticton -

“Our seniors population is growing, and there is strong evidence that helping seniors remain independent enhances their quality of life. With an experienced operator like VRS at the helm, Charles Manor will not only provide stable housing, but the independence our seniors deserve for many years to come.”

Ken Fraser, executive director, Vancouver Resource Society -

“We’ve been operating in communities in B.C. for over four decades now, and are thrilled at this new opportunity to provide quality housing and services for seniors in Penticton. We want to take this time to thank the community for being so welcoming and inclusive, and look forward to cultivating our relationships with the people here in this great community.”

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 $5.5 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for more than 1,300 households in Penticton. This includes providing support for more than 920 senior households.

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 as a non-profit organization in 1972, the Vancouver Resource Society is committed to developing innovative housing programs that provide opportunities for families, seniors and people with disabilities to integrate and live independently in the community. For more information, please visit: www.vrs.org

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

Media Contacts:

Elaine McKay
BC Housing
778 452-6476