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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
VICTORIA – The Province is providing just over $2 million in grants from the Housing Endowment Fund (HEF) to 12 innovative housing projects that help meet the diverse housing needs of British Columbians, Minister of Housing and Social Development Rich Coleman announced today.
“Through these grants, the Province is
assisting a broad range of unique housing projects to move ahead,” said
Coleman. “This is precisely why the Housing Endowment Fund was created – to encourage
new ideas and support innovative housing solutions that address needs not
otherwise served through existing housing programs.”
Of the 12 projects, two
housing developments are receiving grants: $600,000 to the Vernon &
District Land Trust; and $33,000 to the Chilliwack Supportive Housing Society.
In addition, four pilot/prototype projects are receiving awards, including $850,000 to a multi-faceted project at BCIT; $205,000 to the ACCESS Health Centre in Victoria; $105,000 to Ursus Homes in Langley; and $87,890 to Pacifica Housing Advisory Association in Victoria to provide homeless people with storage facilities.
The remaining six awards go to groups for innovative housing studies and strategy development, including $50,000 to Smart Growth BC; $40,000 to the Terra Housing Consultants; $33,225 to the Cooperative Housing Federation of British Columbia; $26,400 to The Sheltair Group; $15,000 to the Network of East Vancouver Community Organizations (NEVCO); and $25,208 to the Surrey Refugee Research Project.
The $250-million Housing Endowment Fund was established in the 2007
provincial budget. The fund generates investment revenue, which is used to fund
new ideas and support innovative housing solutions that meet the diverse housing
needs of British Columbians. To date, more than $14 million has been awarded to
39 projects.
Through Housing Matters BC, the
total provincial contribution to affordable housing and shelter in Budget 2009
is $469 million, more than four times as much as in 2001. This consists of an
operating contribution of $319 million, plus a capital contribution of $150
million.
‘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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BC Housing 604 439-4789 |
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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