BC Housing - PROVINCE FUNDING UPGRADE OF 300 SENIORS’ HOUSING UNITS

VICTORIA – Non-profit housing societies have been selected to upgrade and manage more than 300 units of housing in eight communities through the Seniors’ Supportive Housing program, Minister responsible for Housing Rich Coleman announced today.

“By adding accessibility and safety features to existing non-profit housing, seniors can continue to enjoy the independence of living in neighbourhoods that they are part of, with the benefits of added safety, security and support services.” said Coleman.

The Seniors’ Supportive Housing program modifies rental homes for low-income seniors and people with disabilities by making physical improvements to the building such as bathroom grab bars, improved lighting in common areas, and other security and safety features. The program also introduces on-site support services, which may include 24-hour response, light housekeeping, meals, and social and recreational activities.

The capital cost of upgrading the units is about $13 million. The upgrades are estimated to be complete by March 2009. In total, more than 900 units in 22 developments will be upgraded or managed under the program.

“Non-profit housing societies welcome the opportunity to improve living conditions for their senior tenants,” said Karen Stone, executive director of the BC Non-Profit Housing Association. “This program brings physical improvements and support services to the places where seniors currently live and assists them to continue to live safely and securely in their homes and communities for as long as possible.”

The Province has exceeded its Budget 2007 Seniors’ Supportive Housing program commitment to upgrade or convert up to 750 subsidized housing units to supportive housing. Through the provincial housing strategy, Housing Matters BC, the Province is investing more than $380 million in shelters and affordable housing this year, more than three times as much as in 2001.

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BACKGROUNDER

The following table identifies the non-profit societies that have been selected to upgrade and manage the new Seniors’ Supportive Housing program on their respective sites.

Non-Profit Society	Development Name	Town	Number of Units
Coast Development Foundation	Coastview Apartment	Vancouver	33
Elk Valley Seniors Housing Society	Lilac Terrace Supportive Housing	Sparwood	18
Fernie Family Housing Society	Tom Uphill Manor	Fernie	12
General George R. Pearkes Senior Citizens Housing Society	Buttertubs	Nanaimo	42
Lakes District Senior Citizen’s Housing Association	Heritage Manor	Burns Lake	25
Powell River Kiwanis Village Society	Kiwanis Village	Powell River	43
Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 133	RJ Kent Residences	Port Coquitlam	35
The Baptist Housing Society of B.C.	Grandview Towers III	Vancouver	55
The Baptist Housing Society of B.C.	Marrion Village	Victoria	24
The Three Links Care Society	Three Links Manor	Vancouver	41
Total			328

Media Contact:
Patricia Morrison
Senior Communications Specialist
BC Housing
604 314-1458