The Government of B.C. has committed to replacing six transition house beds to ensure at-risk women and their children fleeing abuse will continue to have a safe and supportive place to live during difficult times.

The lease for Boundary Women’s Transition House is set to expire in 2019. In preparation for the end of their lease, the Province has committed $1 million for the new transition house and has purchased a plot of vacant land in Grand Forks for the development of the six new beds.

The Boundary Women’s Coalition will continue to work with BC Housing to develop the proposed project and explore the option of adding second-stage or long-term supportive housing for at-risk women and their children.

The Government of B.C. provides annual operational funding for the six transition house beds, in addition to investing in supports and services to help people who are fleeing abuse to rebuild their lives.

Quotes:

Linda Larson, MLA for Boundary-Similkameen –

“The B.C. government is proud to make this financial commitment and take steps forward with Boundary Women’s Coalition to ensure women and their children in this area will continue to access services and housing that will help them during a vulnerable time in their lives.”

Mayor Frank Konrad, City of Grand Forks –

“The City of Grand Forks is very grateful to the Government of B.C. and BC Housing for committing to replace the six transition house beds for women and children who need assistance in our community. The current women’s transition house has seen great success and the opportunity of having it remain available for those in need is a great benefit to our city.”

Michelle Croissant, chair of Boundary Women's Coalition –

“Our transitional house is a place of ‘hope and a second chance’ for those in our community who are dealing with the complex issues of abuse. We’d like to thank all our partners and the community for their support and understanding in reaching our goal to create safe homes with supportive services for at-risk women in Grand Forks and area.”

Quick Facts:

• The B.C. government provides approximately $32 million annually to support more than 830 spaces in transition and safe houses, as well as second-stage housing through the Women’s Transition House and Supports Program.
• Last year, more than 12,300 women and children fleeing violence were assisted by provincially funded transition houses, second-stage housing and safe homes.
• Transition houses, safe homes, and second stage housing play a critical role in helping women and their children fleeing violence.
• Second Stage housing provides safe housing and supports for women after they leave an abusive relationship. Women can stay for six to 18 months while they prepare for independent living.
• Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $4.8 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families.

Learn More:

Boundary Women’s Coalition is a non-profit and charitable society in operation since 1992. Their mandate is to work towards eliminating violence and abuse in their communities, and to promote women’s equality through education, events, and community initiatives. To learn more, visit: www.boundarywomenstransitionhouse.com

To learn more about provincial programs and services to address homelessness, please visit: www.bchousing.org

To find out more about the supports and services available to British Columbians who are experiencing violence, visit the Resources section at: www.saysomethingbc.ca