Vulnerable homeless youth will get a helping hand from the provincial government with an additional $5 million in housing and support services at Covenant House Vancouver (CHV).

The funding will augment $10 million raised privately by CHV and enable construction of a new building at 530 Drake St, the first phase of CHV’s Capital Expansion Project.

CHV acquired the land and building site, formerly occupied by the Immigrant Services Society of BC, with the help of an interest-free loan from BC Housing. With the provincial contribution in place, phase one of construction can begin.

Construction for the building will begin fall 2017 with completion scheduled for February 2019. Once complete, the new 21,820 square-foot (2,027 square-metre) building will accommodate administrative space, 14 temporary crisis beds and a drop-in health care centre. 

Final completion of all three phases of the CHV project is expected in late 2020 or early 2021 and is anticipated to cost around $38 million.

Quotes:

Stephanie Cadieux, Minister of Children and Family Development –

“Government is proud to help support Covenant House Vancouver in their goal to ensure that vulnerable young people in our province have access to the supports and services they need to build the life that they deserve — whether that be a safe place to sleep at night, mental-health and substance-use counselling or help finding work or training opportunities. Thank you to everyone who helped make the expansion of Covenant House Vancouver a reality — together we are making a difference in young lives.”

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

“We are excited to be a catalyst for Phase One of the Covenant House Vancouver Capital Expansion Project through the funds we contributed. We hope that the completion of this project will lessen the demand for youth services and bring about positive outcomes for youth who need transitional and supportive housing.”

Michael de Jong, QC, Minister of Finance –

“The B.C. government continues to invest in programs and projects that help prevent at-risk British Columbians from becoming homeless. We’re delighted to have been involved in Covenant House Vancouver’s capital expansion project, which will bring new housing and support for vulnerable homeless youth.”

Sam Sullivan, MLA for Vancouver-False Creek –

“The housing needs of B.C.’s street youth are still an important concern across the province. It is our pleasure to work with Covenant House Vancouver in order for them to expand their facilities and help even more at-risk youth.”

Krista Thompson, executive director, Covenant House Vancouver –

“We are extremely pleased with and appreciative of today’s provincial government announcement to invest $5 million towards our $15-million Phase One capital expansion project. We are so grateful for this clear message of support from the B.C. government for Covenant House Vancouver and the young people who turn to us for help. Providing much-needed additional services and space to Vancouver's homeless will enable them to transition on to lives full of health, happiness and independence."

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $4.9 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors, and families.
• More than 104,000 B.C. households benefit from provincial social housing programs and services. To learn more, go to: www.bchousing.org
• Covenant House Vancouver (CHV) opened in September 1997 in response to a study revealing that short-term transitional shelter for street youth was virtually non-existent in Vancouver. CHV supports young people in achieving brighter futures by preventing homelessness through counselling and support services and facilitating long-term housing and education opportunities. To learn more, go to: http://www.covenanthousebc.org

Learn More:

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