People in Prince Rupert experiencing homelessness will have a home to call their own soon, as the Province starts construction on 36 units of supportive housing that will provide people with access to safe and secure homes with 24/7 supports.

“These new homes will give people the chance to get off the streets and into a home,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Everyone deserves a home where they feel safe and secure. The supportive housing we are building in Prince Rupert will open the door to stability and opportunity for people who have been left to struggle alone for too many years.”

The new homes will offer people experiencing or at risk of homelessness the stability they need to be able to focus on other aspects of their lives. Two of the homes have been designed to accommodate residents with disabilities.

The North Coast Transition Society will operate the building and provide residents with access to around-the-clock on-site staff and support services, including meal programs, life and employment skills training, health and wellness support services, and opportunities for volunteer work.

These new homes are being constructed by a B.C. manufacturer, Horizon North, providing opportunities for local jobs in British Columbia.

Site preparation is underway at 1450 Park Ave. on land provided by the City of Prince Rupert. Residents are expected to move into the building by early 2019.

Quotes:

Jennifer Rice, MLA for North Coast –

“For too long, members of our community have not had access to the housing they need. This important investment will provide stable housing, and the necessary health and social supports, to assist those most vulnerable in Prince Rupert. I can’t wait to see the positive impacts this development has on our community.”

Mayor Lee Brain, City of Prince Rupert –

“This housing project, which will also include vital wraparound services, is a real breakthrough towards tackling homelessness in Prince Rupert. We are happy to have been given the opportunity to provide the space to make it happen and want to thank our partners at the Province of B.C., BC Housing and the North Coast Transition Society for their quick and steadfast work in making this a reality.”

Christine White, executive director, North Coast Transition Society (NCTS) –

“We have seen the need for subsidized, stable housing increasing over the past 10 years in Prince Rupert. It starts with the most basic of requirements: shelter and food. If people have a place where they can feel safe and secure, they can start to build on other aspects of their lives. Work, education and the family unit all are dependent on a stable home environment. We believe that the changes the government is implementing will provide the tools for NCTS to further help people become permanently housed in stable housing. Our aim is to help people help themselves so they, in turn, move forward with their lives.”

Quick Facts:

• The Province is investing $7.1 million in capital and construction costs, and an annual operating subsidy, for the project.
• The homes are funded through the Building BC: Rapid Response to Homelessness program, part of a provincewide investment of $291 million to build 2,000 homes throughout B.C., and more than $170 million over three years for 24/7 staffing and support services.
• More than 2,000 new homes have been confirmed in 22 B.C. communities in less than a year.
• Budget 2018 provides further supports for people experiencing homelessness with the announcement of an additional 2,500 new homes with 24/7 support services.

Learn More:

Building BC: Rapid Response to Homelessness program: https://www.bchousing.org/partnerservices/Building-BC/rapid-response-homelessness

For a map of the Province's Building BC: Rapid Response to Homelessness projects, visit:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Building_BC_Rapid_Response_Homelessness_Map.pdf

Read Homes for B.C., government’s 30-point plan to address housing affordability for British Columbians:
http://bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/2018/homesbc/2018_Homes_For_BC.pdf

To find out what the Province is doing to improve housing affordability, visit:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/bc-government-addressing-housing-affordability-challenges

A backgrounder follows.