B.C. AND KELOWNA INVEST $7.8M IN HOUSING FOR HOMELESS

KELOWNA – Today’s groundbreaking of a new 40-unit supportive housing development for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness marks the start of construction of Willowbridge, thanks to provincial, municipal and community investments, announced Norm Letnick, MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country.

“Across B.C., our government is partnering with municipalities to help British Columbians who are dealing with homelessness put a roof over their heads,” said Letnick. “By creating local jobs and housing with integrated support services, Willowbridge will benefit the community and be a place of transformation for people who are facing many challenges.”

The Province is investing $7.8 million in capital infrastructure funding to develop Willowbridge through the Provincial Homelessness Initiative. The initiative integrates housing with support services to help people move beyond temporary shelter to greater self-reliance and appropriate employment.

Willowbridge is also the result of an agreement formed by the Province and City of Kelowna in March 2008 to provide more supportive housing. The city has provided land equity estimated at $564,400 for the development.

“Homelessness and affordable housing are important issues facing our community,” said Kelowna Mayor Sharon Shepherd. “Our partnership with the Province to build new housing with support services is a good step towards meeting the needs of our most vulnerable in Kelowna.”

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – Kelowna and District Branch will oversee the construction and operate and manage the building once open. Construction is expected to be complete by August 2010.

“We believe in developing and maintaining partnerships in the community that benefit residents of Kelowna, and this project is a great example of this,” said Shelagh Turner, executive director of CMHA Kelowna. “With the support from the Province and the city, we are able to expand our services and help more people transition to a life off the streets.”

Willowbridge is part of an overall $14-billion capital infrastructure program supported by the Province that will create up to 88,000 jobs and help build public infrastructure in every region of B.C. The development is expected to create approximately 54 jobs in Kelowna.

The Province has committed to creating more than 4,000 new housing units under the Provincial Homelessness Initiative. For 2009/10, the Province’s budget for shelters and affordable housing is over $469 million – more than four times what it was 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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BACKGROUNDER
WILLOWBRIDGE

Located at 330 Boyce Crescent in Kelowna, Willowbridge will provide short-term housing with support services for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The Canadian Mental Health Association – Kelowna and District Branch will manage and operate Willowbridge.

Willowbridge will provide a safe environment for residents to improve aspects of their life, which may involve their health, housing and employment. Residents will work with employees and other community supports to develop and achieve personal and housing goals. Residents will also receive meals, counselling, life-skills training, assistance in finding employment, and vocational and educational training.

The four-storey wood frame building will include 40 studio units, as well as program and amenities space. Support offices, program areas, and common areas for residents will be on the ground floor.

PARTNERS AND FUNDING:
The capital cost of this project is approximately $8.4 million:

CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION – KELOWNA AND DISTRICT BRANCH
Established in 1966, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – Kelowna and District Branch is one of 20 branches in British Columbia. CMHA’s mission is to promote the mental health of all British Columbians and support the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental health issues. CMHA accomplishes this mission through advocacy, education, research and service. For more information, check out the CMHA website at: www.kelowna.cmha.bc.ca.

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

Tom Wilson
City of Kelowna
250 469-8663