PROVINCE INVESTS $1.6 MILLION IN SENIORS’ SUPPORTIVE HOUSING

VANCOUVER – The Province has provided a $1.6-million grant to renovate Coastview Apartments, a 33-unit housing development with integrated support services for low-income seniors with mental health issues, announced Mary McNeil, Minister of State for the Olympics and ActNow BC and MLA for Vancouver-False Creek.

“Coastview Apartments is a very unique seniors’ housing development because it provides appropriate housing and support services for low-income seniors with mental health issues,” said McNeil. “Developments like this ensure that seniors with special needs are able to continue living independently in the communities they call home.”

The Province provided the grant through the Seniors’ Supportive Housing (SSH) program, which renovates and upgrades existing housing for low-income seniors and people with disabilities, to include accessibility features such as bathroom grab bars, improved lighting in common areas, and other security and safety features. SSH also introduces on-site support services, which may include 24-hour response, light housekeeping, meals, and social and recreational activities. In addition, the Province will provide annual operating funding of $129,000. Vancouver Coastal Health will provide $93,000 annually for support services.

“Providing funding for support services for seniors is an important part of our overall strategy to provide different combinations of care options in Vancouver,” said Allyson Muir, manager, Mental Health and Addiction Housing, Vancouver Coastal Health. “We know residents of Coastview Apartments will benefit from the newly renovated building and the additional safety features.”

“Coastview Apartments will allow low-income seniors to continue to enjoy the Vancouver lifestyle with enhanced accessibility and improved safety features in their homes,” said councillor Ellen Woodsworth, City of Vancouver. “Developments like these are helping seniors to maintain their independence in communities they call home.”

Coastview Apartments, managed and operated by Coast Mental Health (CMH), is a four-storey wood frame building consisting of 24 studio units, eight one-bedroom units and one one-bedroom, wheelchair-accessible unit. Incorporated in 1991, CMH’s mandate is to provide programs and services that promote the recovery of people with mental health issues.

“There is a need for more affordable housing with different levels of care options for seniors all across the province, including right here in Vancouver,” said Darrell Burnham, executive director for CMH. “We're pleased that we can offer our seniors the opportunity to remain in their community, close to family and friends, as their care needs change.”

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. In 2009-10, the Province’s budget for affordable housing and shelters is approximately $450 million, more than three times as much as in 2001.

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