Men and women who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless are now benefiting from a new 31-unit long-term and affordable housing development in Abbotsford, which celebrated its official opening today.

Located at 2719 Gladys Ave., the Hearthstone Place development is a four-storey wood-framed building that has 30 self-contained units and one caretaker unit, as well as a lounge, kitchen, laundry room and a sauna to treat bed bugs. Residents also have access to onsite health and support services – such as mental health, addictions and medical services, employment readiness programs and meals.

The total capital budget for the project is approximately $6 million. The B.C. government provided approximately $5.1 million in capital funding for the project. The City of Abbotsford provided the land worth close to $600,000 and equity of approximately $350,000.

The development currently has seven residents. The non-profit operator, Abbotsford Community Services, expects the development to be fully occupied by May. The agency is also working with Fraser Health and other service providers on programs and services.

Quotes:

Michael de Jong, MLA for Abbotsford West –

“The B.C. government is committed to joint investments that add to the diversity of housing options. These investments benefit all British Columbians in ways that can’t always be measured by dollars and cents. -The Hearthstone Place development is a fine example of that commitment in action.”

Simon Gibson, MLA for Abbotsford-Mission –

“Hearthstone Place is a milestone for the Abbotsford community, providing 30 new stable homes for the most vulnerable. My thanks to Abbotsford Community Services in particular for its commitment to making this project come to life.”

Darryl Plecas, MLA for Abbotsford South –

“The success of this project has come via our government’s sound housing strategy and the way we forged strong and lasting partnerships with local government and community organizations here in Abbotsford.”

Mayor Henry Braun, City of Abbotsford –

“The Hearthstone Place project has brought real hope and a second chance for some of the most vulnerable residents in our community. On behalf of the City of Abbotsford, we’re extremely grateful to the provincial government, BC Housing and Abbotsford Community Services for stepping up to provide the support and compassion needed to help rebuild their lives.”

Rod Santiago, executive director, Abbotsford Community Services –

“Every person deserves the right to have a roof over their head, and every community deserves the opportunity to excel in kindness and inclusivity. Hearthstone Place marks the coming of both milestones. On behalf of ACS, thank you BC Housing, the City of Abbotsford and the many, many members of our community who helped birth this dream!”

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the Province has invested or committed to a total of $6.3 billion to provide affordable housing supply and access for low income individuals, seniors, and families.
• This includes new investment commitments of $920 million to support the acquisition, construction, and renovation of almost 5,300 housing units across B.C. over the next few years.
• Last year, the Province provided more than $9.4 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for more than 1,980 households in Abbotsford. This includes more than $2.3 million for emergency shelters and housing for those who are homeless.

Learn More:

To learn more about the Province's actions on housing affordability, visit: http://housingaction.gov.bc.ca/

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 strives to be an agency that fosters community well-being and social justice through positive action and leadership. To learn more, please visit: www.abbotsfordcommunityservices.com

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