PROVINCE FUNDS DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL SUPPORTIVE HOUSING

KELOWNA – The Canadian Mental Health Association – Kelowna Branch (CMHA Kelowna) and the John Howard Society of the Central and South Okanagan (JHSCSO) have been selected to develop and operate two new supportive housing developments in Kelowna, announced Rich Coleman, Minister of Housing and Social Development.

“Both organizations have proven track records in developing housing and providing services that help break the cycle of homelessness,” said Coleman. “Working together in strong partnership with Kelowna’s supportive housing agencies, we are helping improve the lives of those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.”

Provincial funding of approximately $30 million will help create up to 140 supportive housing units on three city-owned properties. The two developments, expected to open in mid-2010, are located at 330 Boyce Crescent and 195 Rutland Road North, and are part of the memorandum of understanding signed by the Province and the City of Kelowna in March.

“These new developments are designed to address core gaps in the range of existing housing and support services for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Kelowna,” said Shelagh Turner, executive director, CMHA Kelowna.

The Boyce Crescent housing development will be operated by CMHA, and will contain between 30 and 40 units of short-term, triage housing with support services to allow people to stabilize their lives before moving into more stable supportive housing. The Rutland Road North development will be operated by JHSCSO, and will have 49 units of longer-term, transitional housing.

“Our partnership is a practical solution so more people in need will be able to access opportunities to improve their lives and become successful, contributing members of our community,” said Shelley Cook, JHSCSO executive director.

CMHA Kelowna and JHSCSO were selected as the successful proponents following a request for expressions of interest proposal issued in April. New Opportunities for Women (NOW) Canada Society has already been selected to operate the third development, consisting of 40 family style units, located at 2938 Tutt Street. The City approval process will be consistent with established policies and practices for development permit applications.

The Province’s contribution to pay for predevelopment costs is part of the Provincial Homelessness Initiative, which has committed to the creation of more than 4,000 new and upgraded supportive housing units across B.C.

Budget 2008 increased the amount the Province invests in affordable housing and shelters to more than $380 million a year, more than three times as much as in 2001.

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Media contacts:
Sam Rainboth
BC Housing
604-439-4789