NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release 2009HSD0070-000853 April 9, 2009	Ministry of Housing and Social Development
$22.7M HOUSING INVESTMENT TO CREATE 226 JOBS IN KELOWNA

KELOWNA – The Province is investing $22.7 million for two supportive housing developments that will help break the cycle of homelessness in the City of Kelowna and create 226 jobs, announced Housing and Social Development Minister Rich Coleman.

 

            “The housing developments we’re announcing today will provide a number of tangible, immediate benefits to people in Kelowna,” said Coleman. “They will provide much-needed housing to address the needs of homeless people in the community, and create construction jobs that support working people and their families during a challenging economic climate.”

 

            Both housing developments are scheduled to begin work this summer. They include:

·        40 units of housing at 330 Boyce Cres. The housing development will be managed and operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association – Kelowna Branch. It will provide housing with support services to allow people to stabilize their lives before moving into more stable supportive housing.

·        39 units of housing at 2938 Tutt St. The housing development will be managed and operated by the New Opportunities for Women (NOW) Canada Society. It will provide transitional second-stage housing for women and children.

 

“We want to keep British Columbians working here in Kelowna, which is why the Province is investing in these two housing developments,” said Kelowna-Lake Country MLA Al Horning. “We’re also building a healthier community by providing a safe place to stay and support services for people who are homeless.”

 

“Access to safe, secure housing is a fundamental part of building a healthy community,” said Kelowna Mayor Sharon Shepherd. “These projects will support the city’s most vulnerable citizens and move us closer to our vision of building a city in which everyone has access to housing they need.”

 

These developments are part of an overall $14-billion capital infrastructure program supported by the Province that will create up to 88,000 jobs and help build vital public infrastructure in every region of B.C.

 

In 2009/10, the Province's budget for affordable housing and shelters is $469 million, more than four 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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Media contact:	Sam Rainboth BC Housing 604 439-4789
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