Government of Canada helps those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Port Coquitlam
PORT COQUITLAM — A new three-level residential and service facility will be made available to homeless individuals and those at risk of homelessness, thanks to support from the governments of Canada and British Columbia. The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages and Member of Parliament for Port Moody–Westwood–Port Coquitlam, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
“Our government is giving a hand-up to Canadians with housing needs and is helping those seeking to break free of the cycle of homelessness and poverty here in the Tri-Cities,” said Minister Moore. “Through this investment, the New View Society will be able to provide stable housing and support services to help homeless individuals and those at risk of homelessness strengthen their skills so they can live independently.”
The New View Society will receive $575,000 through the Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy to contribute to the costs of constructing the New View Centre. This facility will combine housing with support services, such as counselling and assistance in finding employment, in a safe and engaging environment to help people make a successful integration into the community. The facility will also provide ten beds for adults with mental health and addiction issues. Through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the Government of Canada also provided $10,000 in Seed Funding. Seed Funding offers financial assistance to housing proponents who are in the early stages of developing an affordable housing project.
Furthermore, the Province of British Columbia is providing a $1.6-million grant towards the project, as well as $89,393 in annual operating funding.
“Our province is committed to providing a range of housing options that meet the diverse needs of our citizens, including those struggling with mental health and addiction barriers,” said Iain Black, Minister of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development. “The New View Centre will provide outreach services to the people who will reside there and be a vital addition to the Tri-Cities communities.”
“Today, the New View Society is celebrating,” stated Mr. Ted Kuntz, Co-chair of the New View Society. “Our dream of creating a community wellness centre is being realized. And that dream is to create a resource that will serve both the needs of individuals with a mental health diagnosis, as well as members of the community who are committed to improving their emotional and mental health. With partnerships with the Province of British Columbia and the Fraser Health Authority already in place, the federal Homelessness Partnering Strategy funding from Service Canada was the final piece that made this project viable.”
In September 2008, the Government of Canada announced an investment of $1.9 billion over five years for housing and homelessness programs for low‑income Canadians. This commitment gives the Government of Canada the flexibility to work with the provinces and territories and municipalities, and with charitable organizations, to develop ways to improve the effectiveness of federal spending in the area of housing and homelessness.
Canada’s Economic Action Plan is building on these investments by making an additional one‑time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing, and by making available up to $2 billion in loans to Canadian municipalities over two years for housing‑related infrastructure improvements. The Government’s investments are creating jobs, stimulating local economies and improving the quality of life for many Canadians. To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, please visit
www.actionplan.gc.ca.
The availability of safe and stable housing and related supports is an important element in addressing homelessness and helping individuals who are homeless achieve greater self‑sufficiency and a better quality of life. The Homelessness Partnering Strategy emphasizes longer‑term supportive and transitional housing by focusing on a housing‑first approach to help people make the transition out of the cycle of homelessness.
For more information on the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, please visit
www.hrsdc.gc.ca/homelessness.
Increasing affordable housing, reducing homelessness and helping those who cannot help themselves are key components of the Province of British Columbia’s agenda. Through Housing Matters BC, the Province is addressing a range of housing needs, from homelessness to affordable rental housing and homeownership. Further details about affordable housing in British Columbia can be found at
www.bchousing.org.
In 2010–2011, the Province will invest over $562 million—more than four times as much as in 2001—to provide affordable housing and supports to reduce homelessness.
To find out more about how the Government of Canada and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call 1-800-668-2642 or visit
www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan/.
