$3-Million Housing for Homeless Opens in Saanich
SAANICH – Clover Place, a newly renovated $3-million housing development, officially opened today providing 18 units of supportive housing for people who are chronically homeless or at risk of homelessness, announced Ida Chong, Minister of Healthy Living and Sport and MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head, and the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State for Sport and Member of Parliament for Saanich–Gulf Islands.
“Our government is supporting many Canadians with housing needs and is helping those seeking to break free of the cycle of homelessness and poverty,” said Lunn, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. “Through this investment, the Pacifica Housing Advisory Association will be able to provide supportive and transitional housing in Saanich for those in need.”
“We are committed to helping people overcome their barriers to housing and employment so they can find and keep good jobs, lead healthier lives and move to more stable housing,” said Chong. “Part of this commitment involves providing support at the most crucial housing and service level. By creating supportive housing developments in communities like Saanich, we are moving one step closer to breaking the cycle of homelessness in B.C.”
The Province provided a $1.2-million grant for renovations. Human Resources and Skills Development Canada provided $770,000 for the purchase of Clover Place. HPS is a unique community-based program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness by providing support and funding to communities across Canada. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) provided a $432,000 Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) grant and a $10,000 Seed Funding grant. CMHC’s RRAP offers financial assistance to pay for mandatory repairs to self-contained units occupied by low-income tenants. Seed Funding provides proponents with financial assistance to carry out initial building and renovation activities.
The Capital Regional District (CRD) provided $270,000 through the Regional Housing Trust Fund, and the Real Estate Foundation of BC and United Way of Greater Victoria each provided $150,000. In addition, $22,920 in private donations was provided for the project. The Municipality of Saanich provided $16,000 for water main upgrades.
“This partnership has made an enormous contribution towards much-needed social housing and will contribute towards building a safe and healthy community for our citizens.” said Mayor Frank Leonard, Municipality of Saanich.
“Clover Place will be a significant addition to Saanich’s housing infrastructure and the South Island,” said Paul Gerrard, member of the CRD Housing Trust Fund and Saanich councillor. “We’re pleased to be a part of this strong partnership with Pacifica Housing Advisory Association as well as local, provincial, and federal agencies.”
“Our mission is to support sustainable real estate and land use practices for the benefit of British Columbians,” said Stephen Mullock, chair of the Real Estate Foundation of BC. “We are pleased that the Foundation’s grant is helping Pacifica Housing provide stable, affordable housing f or its clients.”
Clover Place is owned and operated by Pacifica Housing Advisory Association (PHAA). Incorporated in 1988, PHAA has been working to provide secure, affordable housing for low-income individuals and families. They buy, lease, hold and build, develop or improve any lands and buildings necessary to carry out this purpose.
“The funding we received from all levels of government and community partners has allowed us to further meet our mission is to provide innovative, affordable housing opportunities and support to people in need of these services,” said Karyn French, executive director, PHAA. “We are providing a safe place for individuals to become stabilized, and we will work with existing services in the community to help people who are homeless access the additional supports they need to move forward to a better life off the streets.”
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.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has been Canada’s national housing agency for more than 60 years. CMHC is committed to helping Canadians access a wide choice of quality, affordable homes, while making vibrant, healthy communities and cities a reality across the country.
