$1.4 MILLION HOUSING FOR HOMELESS OPENS IN WILLIAMS LAKE

WILLIAMS LAKE – The newly renovated Jubilee Place officially opened today, providing 33 suites with integrated support services for individuals at risk of homelessness in Williams Lake, announced Donna Barnett, MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin.

“Providing safe, affordable housing with integrated support services has proven to be a successful way to help individuals break their cycle of homelessness,” said Barnett. “Our government is implementing supportive housing options throughout the province to ensure that our citizens in need have access to appropriate housing and services.”

The Province provided an $830,000 grant to purchase the building, located at 845 Carson Drive in Williams Lake (formerly the Jamboree Motel), as well as $590,000 for renovations and upgrades. In addition, the Province is providing $204,666 in annual operational funding.

“I would like to thank the Province for investing in supportive housing and maintaining the affordable housing stock in Williams Lake,” said Mayor Kerry Cook, City of Williams Lake. “Our city aims to offer services that benefit all our residents, and the addition of Jubilee Place will add to the myriad of much-needed services in our community.”

Renovations to the buildings included structural, electrical, and fire- and life-safety upgrades, as well as new flooring, and interior and exterior painting. Jubilee Place is comprised of two one-storey buildings and one two-storey building, providing 33 suites including a one-bedroom suite, two two-bedroom suites and 30 studio suites.

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – Cariboo Chilcotin Branch was selected to manage, operate and provide support services at Jubilee Place. Established in 1972, CMHA – Cariboo Chilcotin Branch promotes the mental health of all and supports the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness. CMHA accomplishes this mission through advocacy, education, research and service. The society is developing future plans for a community kitchen program at the on-site commercial kitchen and dining room.

“We are dedicated to providing programs and services that foster individual growth and promote wellness, said Gay Sanders, board chair, Canadian Mental Health Association – Cariboo Chilcotin Branch. “Our partnership with the Province, through Jubilee Place, has allowed us to further meet our mission to help develop a strong and healthy community.”

In 2010-11, the Province will invest over $562 million to provide affordable housing and fight homelessness – more than four 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. Visit www.bchousing.org/breakingthecycle for more information.

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Media Contact:
Rhonda Nguyen
BC Housing
604 439-4740
604 374-8301 (cell)