The province is providing funds for a local homelessness initiative which may see 15 new transitional housing units for people who are at risk of homelessness.
The North Coast Transition Society is receiving $30,210 from the province to explore the possible options further. The money is being provided through the Provincial Homelessness Initiative, a program designed to create housing units across the province for those at risk of the cycle of homelessness.
Of course one option that might have been workable locally could have been the upgrading of one of the recently demolished BC Housing units deemed as not required anymore. The recent leveling of units in the McKay and Kootenay Street area has puzzled a number of local observers in recent months.
If even one of the buildings had remained up and been upgraded to standards, then the issue of a homeless shelter for Prince Rupert might now be in the homestretch, as opposed to the starting phase.
Regardless, the funding will be welcome for the North Coast Transition Society which probably has the best handle on the homeless situation in Prince Rupert and what is required to try and provide for those in need.
The Daily News featured details of the grant in the Tuesday paper.
HOMELESS SHELTER EFFORTS GET BOOST THANKS TO GRANT
Province provides more than $30,000 to start developing a shelter plan
By James Vassallo
The Daily News
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Pages one and three
The province is providing funds for a local homelessness initiative spearheaded by the North Coast Transition Society.
“We listened to what communities told us they needed to fight homelessness,” said Rich Coleman, minister responsible for housing. “Initiatives like the North Coast Transition Society’s housing facility will help build healthy communities where everyone has access to safe, affordable housing.”
The North Coast Transition Society is receiving #30,210 from the province in development-phase funding for people who are at risk of homelessness.
The development phase funding will cover expenses such as a project manager and architect and survey fees to help the society develop detailed plans for the new units.
Among other non-profit societies receiving grants to support housing spaces are Terrace’s Ksan House Society which has been funded for 18 units.
In total, the province is committing $196 million to create 758 supportive housing units across British Columbia, providing those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with greater access to safe and secure housing.
Last October, the province released its comprehensive housing strategy, Housing Matters B. C., and released a proposal call for 450 new supportive housing units.
Communities and non-profit organizations offered additional funding as part of their proposals, and as a result, the number of new units was increased to 758.
“The proposal call resulted in some excellent and innovative ideas that have enabled us to increase the number of units by more than 60 per cent,” said Coleman. “We received a lot of thoughtful ideas from people who care about our communities.”
To fund these new units, the province will provide $5.6 million annually for 35 years, for a total of $196 million. Local partnership contributions for the 758 units total $24.6 million in one time funding.
“Together with local governments and non-profit organizations, we can help break the cycle of homelessness,” Coleman said. “These units will assist less fortunate British Columbians gain independence and make our communities stronger.”
The province has now committed to creating 1,291 new housing units under the Provincial Homelessness Initiative.
The Initiative aims to break the cycle of homelessness by integrating support services with housing so people may move beyond temporary shelter to more secure housing, gain greater self reliance, and achieve appropriate employment. The federal government is contributing $42 million to the initiative through the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement.
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