COQUITLAM – Raincity Housing, a non-profit society
that has provided shelter and housing for thousands of people in
the Lower Mainland for close to 30 years, has been selected to
develop and operate a new supportive housing development in the
Tri-Cities.
The new development, to be located at 3030 Gordon Ave., will create
up to 30 emergency shelter beds in addition to 30 transitional
studio apartments for people who are homeless.
Raincity Housing was selected through a Request for Proposal call
issued in August. With the selection process now complete, the
Province, City of Coquitlam and Tri-Cities Homelessness Task Group
will work in partnership with Raincity Housing to develop the plan
for construction and services to be offered at the facility, as
well as community consultation.
The development is expected to be completed by late spring 2014.
Quotes:
Rich Coleman, Minister Responsible for Housing –
“From day one, the Province has been
committed to seeing this project move forward.
Raincity’s track record and breadth of experience will
benefit not only those who need shelter, but also the community at
large.”
Douglas Horne, MLA for Coquitlam-Burke Mountain
–
“We have been working closely with the City
of Coquitlam on this project and look forward to the addition of
Raincity Housing as partners in our mission to make a difference
for the homeless in our community.”
Mayor Richard Stewart, City of Coquitlam –
“Projects like 3030 Gordon Ave. provide much
more than just a roof overhead; they are key to helping us meet the
critical needs of our most vulnerable citizens, namely giving them
a safe place to call home and with it, the opportunity for a new
life.”
Mark Smith, executive director, Raincity Housing
–
“As our society approaches its 30th anniversary, we
remain committed to our mandate of providing a home for every
person. By addressing homelessness through housing, the quality of
life of everyone in our communities increases.”
“Working together with the Province, the City of
Coquitlam and the Tri-Cities Homelessness Task Group, we look
forward to adding the 3030 Gordon development to our range of
housing options, serving the people who will live there and helping
build a stronger, more vibrant community.”
Quick Facts:
Society selected for Coquitlam emergency shelter
December 14th, 2011
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Over the last decade, the Province has invested $2.8 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families.
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This year, more than 95,000 B.C. households will benefit from provincial social housing programs and services.
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In Coquitlam, the government will invest approximately $9.6 million this year to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for more than 2,000 low-income individuals, seniors and families.
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More than 50 per cent of homeless people in the Tri-Cities are unsheltered, according to the 2011 Metro Vancouver Homeless Count.
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Raincity Housing was formed almost 30 years ago with a mandate to provide innovative specialized housing and support services for people living with mental illness, addictions and other challenges. Along with a range of outreach and other services, the society currently manages close to 490 units of temporary/transitional and long-term supportive housing at 11 housing developments in the Lower Mainland.
Learn More:
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About provincial housing programs: http://www.bchousing.org/Initiatives
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To read how the provincial housing strategy is helping British Columbians, visit: http://www.bchousing.org/Media/Stories
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Further information about the work of Raincity Housing can be found at: http://www.raincityhousing.org/
Media Contact:
Kathleen Vincent
BC Housing
604 456-8852
Kathleen Vincent
BC Housing
604 456-8852