$5.9-MILLION SHELTER AND TRANSITION HOUSE OPENS IN TERRACE

TERRACE – Ksan Residence and Shelter, a new $5.9-million emergency shelter and transitional housing development, officially opened today to house individuals at risk of homelessness in Terrace, announced John Rustad, MLA for Nechako Lakes.

“We are committed to investing in projects like Ksan Residence and Shelter to provide individuals with access to safe supportive housing so they can focus on their personal challenges and move towards a better life,” said Rustad. “Offering both short-term emergency shelter and supportive housing units under one roof is moving us one step closer to breaking the cycle of homelessness in B.C.”

The Province provided a $2-million grant through the Housing Trust Fund and a mortgage of $3.7 million through the Provincial Homelessness Initiative, which integrates support services with housing to help people move beyond temporary shelter to more secure housing, greater self-reliance and appropriate employment.

“Emergency shelter beds and transitional housing are fundamental in helping people move beyond homelessness and build a healthier community,” said Mayor Dave Pernarowski, City of Terrace. “I know the Ksan Residence and Shelter will help many individuals in our community.”

Ksan House Society will manage the emergency shelter and transitional housing. The society will work with local agencies to provide residents with off-site services such as mental health support, drug and alcohol counselling and employment supports. Four interim housing beds will be available to community partners for individuals in transition.

“Ksan House Society was created to help individuals and families who are living in poverty, and we are proud to partner with the Province on this initiative,” said Carol Sabo, executive director for Ksan House Society. “Ksan Residence and Shelter will support Terrace residents facing a range of challenges by providing access to secure and affordable housing that will offer a new beginning.”

In 2009-10, the Province's budget for social housing is approximately $450 million, more than three times as much as 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
KSAN RESIDENCE AND SHELTER

 

Ksan House Society’s Ksan Residence and Shelter, located at 2812 Hall St. in Terrace, provides 16 emergency shelter beds and 12 transitional housing units.

The development is a two-storey, wood-frame building designed to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification standards.

Ksan House Society will manage and operate the building and will link residents to off-site services including income assistance, employee training, mental health and addiction services, primary health-care and life-skills training.

PARTNERS AND FUNDING:

The capital cost for the project is approximately $5.9 million:

OPERATIONAL FUNDING:

KSAN HOUSE SOCIETY

Established in 1979, Ksan House Society works to provide programs to the community of Terrace. Ksan House Society educates the public and provides social programs, safe shelter, food and essentials to women and their children fleeing abuse and to women, men and families who are homeless or otherwise disadvantaged.

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