Over 40 new supportive homes are open in New Westminster, providing safe, warm homes with around-the-clock care and supports to help women experiencing homelessness in the community.
“Everyone deserves a good, safe place to call home,” said Judy Darcy, MLA for New Westminster. “We’re proud to be working with our partners to create homes like these for women in need that will help them stabilize their lives and build a better future. When we come together and support one another, we build a safer and healthier community for everyone.”
Located at 838 Ewen Ave., Mazarine Lodge is a three-storey wood-frame modular apartment building with 44 self-contained units. Each has a private washroom and mini kitchen. Shared amenities include a laundry room, commercial kitchen and a dining lounge area where residents can enjoy meals together. The building also has a medical room to provide on-site care for residents.
“This project will provide hope and a brighter future for women experiencing homelessness in New Westminster,” said Patrick Johnstone, acting mayor, City of New Westminster. “It is an example of what can be achieved when we collectively work together to tackle complex and pervasive issues such as homelessness. The City of New Westminster is looking at future collaborative projects to ensure that everyone has a home that they can call their own and a neighbourhood in which they can feel a sense of belonging and inclusion.”
The Elizabeth Fry Society, an experienced non-profit operator, is overseeing the day-to-day management of the building and will provide residents with support services, such as daily meals, life-skills education, nutrition management, access to volunteer and employment opportunities and wellness supports. At least two staff members will be on site 24/7.
"Supportive housing projects like Mazarine Lodge provide homeless women with the opportunity to be treated with dignity and to build brighter futures," said Shawn Bayes, executive director, Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver. "We are pleased to offer women access to the supports they need to take on the challenges they face in their lives."
Residents will begin moving into the building in early September 2020.
Delivering affordable housing is a shared priority between government and the BC Green Party caucus and is part of the Confidence and Supply Agreement.
Quick Facts:
- The B.C. government provided approximately $9.6 million to the project through the Rapid Response to Homelessness program, as well as an annual operating subsidy of $1 million.
- Including these homes, the Province is working in partnership to build 110 new homes for people with a range of incomes in New Westminster:
- 66 homes for low- to moderate-income earners
- 44 homes for people experiencing homelessness
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