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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
BURNABY – Women and children leaving transition homes will
have access to nine new units of second stage housing once construction is
complete thanks to $3.88 million in funding from federal, provincial, municipal
and community partners to the Marguerite Dixon Transition Society.
“Our government
is supporting many Canadians with housing needs and is fulfilling its
commitment to help those seeking to break free of the cycle of homelessness and
poverty,” said Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development
Canada. “This facility will help ensure that vulnerable families in
The Government of Canada is investing $600,000 through its Homelessness Partnering Strategy as well as providing $500,000 through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's Shelter Enhancement Program.
“This new development in Burnaby
will make a real difference in the lives of women and children who are ready to
leave transitional housing and make a new start,” said Rich Coleman, Minister
of Housing and Social Development. “By having access to more stable housing,
they will be able to plan and take positive steps towards a better future.”
The Province is providing a grant of $2.28 million through the Provincial Homelessness Initiative, which aims to break the cycle of homelessness by integrating support services with housing. The Province is also providing a grant of $200,000 through the BC Gaming Commission.
“The Marguerite Dixon Transition Society does so much to help abused women and their children,” said Burnaby-North MLA Richard T. Lee. “It is wonderful to see all three levels of government coming together to give them the help they need to continue their very important work.”
The City of
“This project demonstrates the positive collaboration between all levels of government and community partners,” said Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan. “By working together to provide stable housing solutions to residents, we are achieving an effective long-term solution to the issue of homelessness in our community.”
“The Real Estate Foundation of B.C. is pleased to support the development of this second stage housing project,” said Jack Hall, foundation chair. “We see our involvement in this initiative as a practical strategy to providing affordable, stable housing for those who are forging a new path.”
The Marguerite Dixon Transition Society currently operates five second stage housing units in five separate locations. The society would like to amalgamate all the units in one location and increase the number of units by four in order to better meet the needs of the women they serve.
“Our society provides women and children with the support services they require to leave violence in their relationships,” said Adele Wilson, executive director, Marguerite Dixon Transition Society. “This new facility will provide women with a safe and caring environment from which they can springboard into successful independent living and housing stability.”
The Province has committed to creating more than 4,000 new housing units under the Provincial Homelessness Initiative. In 2009/10, the Province’s budget for shelters and affordable housing is over $469 million – more than four times what it was in 2001.
The Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy works with communities and Aboriginal groups to put in place structures and supports that help people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless achieve self-sufficiency and full participation in society. This Strategy is targeted at the development of transitional and supportive housing and related support services.
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Contact: |
BC Housing 604 456-8845 604 374-4534 cell |
Adele Wilson Executive Director Marguerite 604 433-4165 604 764-2275 cell |
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Media Relations Office Human Resources and Skills Development 819 994-5559 |
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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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