An additional 14 people in need now have access to supportive housing at two newly renovated housing developments in Nelson, made possible through funding from the governments of Canada and British Columbia.

Ward Street Place has added 10 new supportive housing units for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, bringing the total to 45 units. As part of the renovations, the development has new electrical and sprinkler systems, an upgraded fire alarm, and exterior masonry.

Stepping Stones Emergency Shelter, originally located in the basement of Ward Street Place, was relocated to a newly renovated building at 816 Vernon St. The building now houses four new supportive housing units and the 17-bed year-round homeless shelter.

Both developments are owned and operated by Nelson CARES Society, and are located close to social and health care services and public transportation.

Quick facts:

Ward Street Place, 567 Ward St.:

• The governments of Canada and British Columbia provided a combined investment of approximately $190,000 through the Affordable Rental Housing initiative – www.bchousing.org/Initiatives/Creating/ARHi – under the Canada-B.C. Agreement for Investment in Affordable Housing 2011— www.cmhc- (cmhc-schl.gc.ca) schl.gc.ca/en/corp/nero/nere/2011/2011-07-04-0930.cfm (cmhc-schl.gc.ca) – which was extended until 2019 – www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/corp/nero/nere/2014/2014-03-04-1530.cfm
• The Government of B.C. provided $50,000 for additional renovations and upgrades to Ward Street Place and long-term financing of up to $1.35 million.
• Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) provided approximately $190,000.

Stepping Stones Emergency Shelter, 816 Vernon St.:

• The governments of Canada and British Columbia provided a combined investment of approximately $155,000 through the Affordable Rental Housing initiative – www.bchousing.org/Initiatives/Creating/ARHi – under the Canada-B.C. Agreement for Investment in Affordable Housing 2011— www.cmhc- (cmhc-schl.gc.ca) schl.gc.ca/en/corp/nero/nere/2011/2011-07-04-0930.cfm (cmhc-schl.gc.ca) – which was extended until 2019 – www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/corp/nero/nere/2014/2014-03-04-1530.cfm
• The Government of B.C. provided $80,000 for additional renovations and upgrades to the new Stepping Stones Shelter and long-term financing of up to $696,500.
• CBT provided approximately $155,000.

(flickr.com)

Quotes:

David Wilks, Member of Parliament for Kootenay – Columbia, on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development) –

“Our government is committed to working with British Columbia to develop and implement local solutions to housing. I am delighted that our investment is bringing more suitable and affordable accommodation to Nelson. These two projects will allow those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to remain and thrive in this community, close to necessary support services.”

Linda Larson, MLA for Boundary-Similkameen, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation for Accessibility –

“The Province is pleased to continue its work with the Government of Canada to ensure that vulnerable British Columbians have access to quality supportive housing and support programs. Each of these buildings will connect people with the services and supports they need to stabilize and regain their independence.”

Mayor Deb Kozak, City of Nelson –

“The city is proud to have safe and secure housing for Nelson's vulnerable residents. I would like to congratulate Nelson CARES Society for all of their hard work and dedication. These newly refreshed developments will enable them to provide much needed services and shelter for people in need.”

Neil Muth, president and chief executive officer, Columbia Basin Trust –

“These projects are creating more and much needed affordable housing in Nelson. We congratulate all of those who worked co-operatively on these projects, particularly, Nelson CARES Society. With a lot of hard work, creativity and planning they made this a reality.”

Jenny Robinson, executive director, Nelson CARES Society –

“We are grateful for the partnership with the federal and provincial governments and the Columbia Basin Trust. This project demonstrates a deep commitment to providing safe affordable housing in Nelson. It also highlights the caring nature of our community and that everyone deserves a place to live.”

Associated links:

• 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. 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 $4.4 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors, and families. This year, more than 102,000 B.C. households will benefit from provincial social housing programs and services. To find out more, go to: www.bchousing.org
• Columbia Basin Trust delivers economic, social, and environmental benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin. To learn more about Columbia Basin Trust programs and initiatives, visit: www.cbt.org
• Operating since 1974, Nelson CARES Society is a client-centered-service charitable organization. Through community collaboration and service excellence, Nelson CARES Society works toward a socially just society by providing programs and initiatives in advocacy, housing, employment, support services, and environmental stewardship. For more information, please see: http://nelsoncares.ca

Stay connected:

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