Making Progress: Housing investments help over 95,000 people this year

VICTORIA – Implementing Canada’s most ambitious housing strategy and building strong partnerships at the community level has enabled the Province to help more than 95,000 people keep the cost of housing more affordable in British Columbia in 2011.

This is just one more example of significant progress made by government in the last year to improve the lives of British Columbians and their families by creating and protecting jobs, by becoming more open and transparent, and by continuing to be fiscally responsible in these uncertain economic times.

This year alone, the Province will invest approximately half a billion dollars in a diverse range of social housing programs. British Columbia’s housing programs encompass a wide range of needs, subsidizing private market rent for 25,000 low-income seniors and working families, providing transitional housing for women leaving abusive relationships and funding emergency shelters and outreach. The Province has completed nearly 640 new housing units since April of this year.

Quotes:

Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Housing –
“Our significant investments are making a difference. Today, we work with a broad network of partners to meet very real needs in our communities, and housing providers, community agencies and local governments each deserve our thanks. Together, we are improving lives and creating safer communities by helping people battle addiction and homelessness, and find secure, affordable homes for their loved ones.”

Gregor Robertson, mayor of Vancouver –
"Over the past year, we’ve made significant gains in our efforts to end homelessness by partnering closely with BC housing and the Province. Whether it’s through innovative projects like our 14 sites of social housing, or collaborating on new emergency winter shelters for our most vulnerable, our investments are paying off. There is more work to do but our partnership with Minister Coleman is helping people off the street, into homes and giving them a chance to rebuild their lives."

Darrell Burnham, executive director, Coast Mental Health –
“I don’t think it’s an overstatement to say that The Province of BC through its array of housing programs and initiatives is not only improving health standards and quality of support for vulnerable people, but it is saving lives. This year alone, Coast Mental Health has partnered with BC Housing to open over 200 units of housing in Vancouver and Surrey for persons with mental illness and others facing homelessness. We have seen remarkable changes in the people housed who now can have hope for a better future and better life.”

Quick Facts:

This year alone, the Province will invest approximately half a billion dollars in a diverse range of social housing programs, which include:

Learn More:

Media Contact:

Communications,
Minister Responsible for Housing
250 952-0167