VERNON – Under One Roof, a $1.9-million new
development, officially opened today to provide five apartments of
affordable, supportive housing for people with developmental
disabilities and low-income families and one condo for affordable
homeownership, announced Eric Foster, MLA for Vernon-Monashee.
“Our government is committed to creating more
affordable housing throughout B.C.,” said Foster.
“Many community partners have come together to build
Under One Roof, an innovative development with a variety of
supportive housing options available right here in
Vernon.”
The Province of British Columbia provided a $600,000 grant toward
the capital cost of the project. The City of Vernon provided the
land valued at $135,000.
“Partnerships are the cornerstone of creating positive
changes in communities and a successful project, and Under One Roof
is a shining example of this,” said Vernon Mayor Wayne
Lippert. “This new six-plex is an important addition to
the lives of the people who will call it home and to our
City’s affordable housing stock.”
Thirteen students from Okanagan College contributed to the project
as part of the hands-on component of their Residential Construction
program. A wide variety of local businesses and individuals made
cash or in-kind contributions to the development.
“Our students benefited from the work experience and
the opportunity to give back to and improve their
community,” said Jim Hamilton, Okanagan College
president. “Our students have participated in many
projects throughout our region and we're pleased to be involved in
the creation of this much-needed housing development.”
The development brings together three non-profit societies to
manage the housing. Kindale Developmental Association will manage
and operate the three affordable rental apartments for people with
developmental disabilities. The Vernon & District Community
Land Trust (VDCLT) will manage and operate the other two affordable
rental apartments. Habitat for Humanity built and will oversee the
sale of the affordable homeownership condo.
“This development is an important step towards
addressing the housing needs of a variety of people with low or
fixed incomes here in Vernon,” said Kevin Campbell,
president of Kindale Developmental Association. “We are
grateful to our many partners whose commitment and dedication made
Under One Roof a reality.”
“Community land trusts offer an innovative tool for
solving the affordable housing problem by addressing key community
development components of permanence and resident
participation,” said Randy Kolibaba, president of
Vernon & District Community Land Trust. “This
development is a great example of the positive impact achieved
through collaboration and partnerships.”
“Habitat is thrilled to be a part of this innovative
partnership that will help Vernon families most in need overcome
barriers to homeownership,” said Glory Westwell, board
chair, Habitat for Humanity – Vernon Chapter.
“Families will now have more access to affordable
housing while helping them build equity for their future and escape
the cycle of poverty.”
In 2009-10, the Province's budget for social housing is
approximately $450 million, more than three times as much as in
2001. ‘Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness’
is a website providing a comprehensive and detailed look at
provincial programs and services to address homelessness.
$1.9M SUPPORTIVE HOUSING OPENS IN VERNON
January 27th, 2010
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BACKGROUNDER
UNDER ONE ROOF
BACKGROUNDER
UNDER ONE ROOF
Located at 4100-25th Ave. in Vernon, Under One Roof provides six
apartments of housing, which include one affordable homeownership
condo and five affordable rental apartments for people with
developmental disabilities and low-income families.
Kindale Developmental Association manages and operates three apartments (two one-bedroom and one three-bedroom apartments) for people with developmental disabilities. The Vernon and District Community Land Trust owns and manages two three-bedroom affordable rental apartments.
Habitat for Humanity built and will oversee the sale of one three-bedroom affordable homeownership condo for a low-income family. The eligible owner will pay up to 30 per cent of their gross income and will receive homeowner training and support services.
PARTNERS AND FUNDING:
The total capital cost of this development is approximately $1.9 million.
Kindale Developmental Association manages and operates three apartments (two one-bedroom and one three-bedroom apartments) for people with developmental disabilities. The Vernon and District Community Land Trust owns and manages two three-bedroom affordable rental apartments.
Habitat for Humanity built and will oversee the sale of one three-bedroom affordable homeownership condo for a low-income family. The eligible owner will pay up to 30 per cent of their gross income and will receive homeowner training and support services.
PARTNERS AND FUNDING:
The total capital cost of this development is approximately $1.9 million.
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The Province of British Columbia provided a $600,000 grant.
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The City of Vernon provided the land valued at $135,000.
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In-kind services and goods, valued at an estimated $1.2 million, were provided by:
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The Okanagan College Residential Construction program, which donated construction labour as part of a working practicum.
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Numerous community partners, including Heartwood Homes, MQN Architects and A+P3 Architecture & Planning.
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Individual donations.
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In addition, the Job Creation Partnerships (JCP) contributed
over $91,000 to this project. JCP is funded through the
Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement and
administered by the Province of B.C. through the Ministry of
Housing and Social Development. JCP is designed to support projects
that will provide Employment Insurance (EI)-eligible participants
with opportunities to gain work experience that will improve their
employment prospects. Kelowna Habitat for Humanity - Vernon Chapter
had five JCP eligible participants on this project.
Kindale Developmental Association
Kindale Developmental Association has been providing services to people with developmental disabilities in the North Okanagan for over 50 years. Increasingly, Kindale is involved in partnerships and initiatives that maximize independence and participation in community life for this population. Enabling access to safe, affordable and integrated housing is a key element.
The Vernon & District Community Land Trust
The Vernon & District Community Land Trust (VDCLT) is a non-profit charitable organization. The Board’s membership consists of people from the real estate, financial, legal, and business community who are interested in furthering the affordable housing goals of the region. The purpose of the VDCLT is to solicit for donations of land and partner with non-profit housing societies to build and manage affordable housing units.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is an independent housing program, building homes in partnership with working families in need. The Vernon Chapter was formed in November 2007 with its first home to be completed December of 2009. The Kelowna Affiliate which is our independent parent and mentor was formed in 1993. They have completed their 17th home this year. The Habitat organization in Canada was founded in 1985, consists of over 50,000 volunteers and 72 affiliate organizations from coast to coast, and is a member of Habitat for Humanity International, which spans 93 countries, has built over 300,000 homes, and is now building a new home somewhere in the world every 10 minutes.
Kindale Developmental Association
Kindale Developmental Association has been providing services to people with developmental disabilities in the North Okanagan for over 50 years. Increasingly, Kindale is involved in partnerships and initiatives that maximize independence and participation in community life for this population. Enabling access to safe, affordable and integrated housing is a key element.
The Vernon & District Community Land Trust
The Vernon & District Community Land Trust (VDCLT) is a non-profit charitable organization. The Board’s membership consists of people from the real estate, financial, legal, and business community who are interested in furthering the affordable housing goals of the region. The purpose of the VDCLT is to solicit for donations of land and partner with non-profit housing societies to build and manage affordable housing units.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is an independent housing program, building homes in partnership with working families in need. The Vernon Chapter was formed in November 2007 with its first home to be completed December of 2009. The Kelowna Affiliate which is our independent parent and mentor was formed in 1993. They have completed their 17th home this year. The Habitat organization in Canada was founded in 1985, consists of over 50,000 volunteers and 72 affiliate organizations from coast to coast, and is a member of Habitat for Humanity International, which spans 93 countries, has built over 300,000 homes, and is now building a new home somewhere in the world every 10 minutes.
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Media Contact:
Rachel Nelken
BC Housing
778 452-2719
604 505-8428 (cell)
Rachel Nelken
BC Housing
778 452-2719
604 505-8428 (cell)