PROVINCE FUNDS WOMEN’S HOUSING IN CRANBROOK

January 9, 2009

CRANBROOK – Women and children fleeing abusive relationships will have access to 18 units of second-stage housing thanks to funding of $6.3 million, announced Bill Bennett, East Kootenay MLA and Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts.

“This housing will provide a stable and supportive environment for women and children who are at risk of homelessness,” said Bennett. “We have a wonderful transition house in Cranbrook, but the women and children who flee to our transition house must leave after a set period of time to make space for those in urgent need. Often, they have nowhere to go. With this new facility, they will have a very positive option they have not had before and will not be as likely to return to a violent or abusive situation.”

The Province is providing $5.8 million in funding for Haven Gardens and is also leasing the site, with land equity of $250,000, to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) for the Kootenays.

The Real Estate Foundation of B.C. and Columbia Basin Trust are also providing funding towards the construction of the new development.

“The Real Estate Foundation of B.C. is pleased to support the development of this second-stage housing project,” said Jack Hall, chair of the Real Estate Foundation of B.C. “By working together to provide stable housing solutions for residents, we are achieving an effective long-term solution to the issue of homelessness in the community.”

“Haven Gardens demonstrates the positive collaboration between the provincial government and community partners,” said Neil Muth, president and CEO of the Columbia Basin Trust. “We see our involvement in this initiative as a practical strategy to providing affordable, stable housing for those who are forging a new path.”

CMHA - Kootenays will manage and operate Haven Gardens. The society currently operates a transition house providing short-term support services for women fleeing abusive relationships. This second-stage housing will prevent a revolving door situation with the transition house by providing stable housing.

“We believe supportive housing is vital to providing stability and a better quality of life to people living in vulnerable circumstances,” said Janice Bradshaw, executive director, CMHA - Kootenays. “This development offers future tenants hope for a personal comeback and a sense of purpose for the future.”

The Province has committed to creating more than 4,000 new housing units under the Provincial Homelessness Initiative. The Province’s budget for shelters and affordable housing is over $400 million – more than three times what it was in 2001.

Media Contact:
Darija Tomasic
BC Housing
604 456-8845

Janice Bradshaw
Canadian Mental Health Association for the Kootenays
250 426-5222