Aboriginal individuals and families with low to moderate incomes will benefit from new affordable rental housing with the B.C. government announcing a $50 million investment to improve access to Aboriginal housing.

A call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) has gone out to Aboriginal housing providers and municipalities interested in creating safe, affordable homes for Aboriginal people in need throughout the province, including youth, women, elders and families.

The selection of submissions will be based on criteria that includes the impact the project will have in reducing the community’s affordable rental housing need. Aboriginal non-profit housing societies may partner with other organizations to strengthen their proposed project.

The funding is part of a $355 million dollar investment announced by the Province last February to create more than 2,000 units of affordable housing. It is the largest single affordable housing investment in B.C.’s history.

Quotes:

Rich Coleman, Minister of Natural Gas Development and Responsible for Housing –

“We recognize the importance of improving access to affordable rental housing for Aboriginal people in need throughout the province. This investment will go a long way to ensure more Aboriginal individuals and families have a safe, affordable place to call home.”

John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation –

“This funding will benefit lower-income Aboriginal people in British Columbia by providing new and affordable rental housing that helps to meet their needs for secure, family-friendly homes.”

Kent Patenaude, president, Lu’ma Native Housing Society –

“I’m pleased to see this initiative come forward – opportunities for partnerships with Aboriginal housing providers and municipalities are key to providing more affordable housing options in the province. Leadership from Aboriginal housing providers on these projects will ensure culturally-appropriate housing for Aboriginal peoples, which will be of benefit to our communities for years to come.”

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.
• Interested proponents can find out more about the EOI by participating in one of the following in-person information sessions. RSVP to: piah@bchousing.org
  • Prince George – Coast Inn of the North – June 17, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Chilliwack – Coast Chilliwack Hotel – June 20, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Nanaimo – Coast Bastion Hotel – June 24, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Fort St. John – Northern Grand Hotel – June 28, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Kamloops – Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre – June 30, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Participants who are unable to attend in person can participate in an informational webinar on July 11, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. More information will be posted at: www.bchousing.org/Initiatives/Creating/PIAH/Aboriginal-EOI
• The EOI package is available at MERX Canadian Public Tenders: www.merx.com/bch, and links to MERX are also available at BC Housing: www.bchousing.org/Partners/Call and BC Bid: www.bcbid.gov.bc.ca

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

To learn more about Aboriginal housing in B.C., please visit: http://www.housingmattersbc.ca/docs/fs_Aboriginal_Housing.pdf

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