Men struggling with homelessness in Abbotsford soon will have access to 30 new supportive homes with the start of construction for a supportive housing development on Gladys Ave.

In addition, the existing 40-bed temporary winter shelter will remain open until the supportive housing project is complete.

The project will provide tenants with safe, affordable housing and onsite health and support services, such as mental health, addictions and medical services, employment readiness programs and meals.

Located at 2719 Gladys Ave., the building will include a caretaker unit, lounge, kitchen, laundry room and a bed bugs sauna. Abbotsford Community Services will operate the new development and work with Fraser Health and other service providers to provide additional programs and services. The building is expected to be complete in spring 2017.

The Lookout Emergency Aid Society will continue to operate the 40-bed shelter on Riverside Rd. and provide a range of health and housing support services, including serving three meals a day. Outreach workers will also continue to connect clients with rental assistance, so they can access more stable, long-term housing.

Funding details:

• The B.C. government will provide $5.1 million for the new supportive housing project as well as $630,000 to ensure the existing 40-bed temporary shelter remains open until spring 2017. This funding is in addition to the $450,000 the Province provided last year to operate the shelter during the winter months.
• The City of Abbotsford provided the land and $250,000 for the new supportive housing project as well as $750,000 and the land for the temporary shelter.

Quotes:

Simon Gibson, MLA for Abbotsford-Mission –

“Our government is proud to take this step forward with the City and Abbotsford Community Services to create new housing with access to services that will help 30 of our most vulnerable heal from life on the streets.”

Dr. Darryl Plecas, MLA for Abbotsford South –

 “The Province is taking action to extend the operations at the temporary shelter so people without a permanent home do not have to resort to sleeping outdoors. Once the project on Gladys Avenue is complete people who need it most will have more affordable housing options and access to the supports that can help to stabilize their lives.”

Mayor Henry Braun, City of Abbotsford –

“The City of Abbotsford is very grateful to the Government of B.C. for providing direct support for those who need assistance most in our community. Abbotsford’s Temporary Response Shelter has seen great success since opening its doors in December last year, and the opportunity of having it remain open until our new low barrier facility is complete, supports our city’s goal of ensuring a housing first approach is maintained in our community.”

Rod Santiago, executive director, Abbotsford Community Services –

“This residence will be a place of ‘hope and a second chance’ for those in our community who are dealing with the complex issues of homelessness. We’d like to thank all our partners and the community for their support and understanding in reaching our goal to create stable homes with individualized supportive services for those who are homeless in Abbotsford.”

Shayne Williams, executive director, Lookout Emergency Aid Society –

“The decision to keep Lookout's Riverside Winter Shelter open is very good news for the region. These 40 beds have made a tremendous difference. In the first two-and-a-half months, we have had 108 intakes, and over 20 people were helped to find housing. I commend the municipality and community for their willingness to find solutions that respect and assist people who have nowhere to live. I also thank the Province for providing the operating funds that makes the shelter possible.”

Quick Facts:

• 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 102,500 B.C. households will benefit from provincial social housing programs and services.
• The Province provided more than $6.5 million last year to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for almost 2,000 households in Abbotsford.
• In 2015, more than 270 homeless people in Abbotsford were housed through rent supplements and shelter services.

Learn More:

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

Abbotsford Community Services: www.abbotsfordcommunityservices.com

Lookout Emergency Aid Society: www.lookoutsociety.ca