TERRACE – People, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Terrace, will have access to new homes before winter, as the Province starts construction on 52 units of modular housing with 24/7 support services.

“The supportive housing we are building in Terrace will help people find stability and new opportunities,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “A safe place to call home is the best way to lift up people in need so they can get healthy and change their lives for the better.”

The three-storey building will provide 52 self-contained studio units. Three of the homes will accommodate residents with disabilities.

Each home will include a bathroom and kitchenette. The building includes a multipurpose dining area with lounge, commercial kitchen, laundry room and bike storage.

“The City of Terrace is pleased to have the presence of the Building BC Rapid Response to Homelessness Program here,” said Carol Leclerc, mayor, City of Terrace. “We are looking forward to working with the ministry, as well as the Ksan House Society, to ensure additional round-the-clock service is available to at-risk members of our community.”

The Ksan House Society will operate the housing at 4523 Olson Ave. Residents will have access to around-the clock on-site staff and support services, including meal programs, life and employment skills training, and health and wellness support services, as well as opportunities for volunteer work.

“We are excited this new housing program is coming to our community,” said Amanda Bains, executive director, Ksan House Society. “It’s an important piece of the housing continuum that has been missing and is necessary to successfully house individuals who are not able to live independently.”

Construction on the homes is expected to be complete by winter 2018.

Quick Facts:

• The Province is investing $10.1 million in capital and construction costs, and an annual operating subsidy, for the project.
• The homes are funded through the Building BC: Rapid Response to Homelessness program, part of a province-wide investment of $291 million to build more than 2,000 homes throughout B.C., and more than $170 million over three years for 24/7 staffing and support services.
• More than 2,000 new homes have been confirmed in 22 B.C. communities in less than a year.
• Budget 2018 provides further supports for people experiencing homelessness with the announcement of an additional 2,500 new homes with 24/7 support services.

Learn More:

Building BC: Rapid Response to Homelessness program:
https://www.bchousing.org/partner-services/Building-BC/rapid-response-homelessness

For a map of the Province's Building BC: Rapid Response to Homelessness projects, visit:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Building_BC_Rapid_Response_Homelessness_Map.pdf

Read Homes for B.C., government’s 30-point plan to address housing affordability for British Columbians:
http://bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/2018/homesbc/2018_Homes_For_BC.pdf

To find out what the Province is doing to improve housing affordability, visit:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/bc-government-addressing-housing-affordability-challenges

A backgrounder follows.

Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
250 952-0617

Rajvir Rao
BC Housing
604 456-8917

BACKGROUNDER

Services and supports provided for modular housing

All new modular housing buildings in the province are being provided with around-the-clock staffing to help young people, people with disabilities, seniors and others in critical need of housing.

The Province is investing $170 million over three years to help people with the highest housing needs build new beginnings. Experienced non-profit housing providers will provide support to tenants based on their assessed needs.

Some of the services and supports that will be provided to young people, seniors, people with disabilities and others who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless, include:

• meals;
• connecting residents to community supports, such as education and employment opportunities, and health and wellness services;
• individual or group support services, such as life skills, community information and social and recreational programs;
• case planning and needs assessment;
• other supports designed to assist residents in meeting their personal and housing goals, including culturally specific programs;
• help accessing income assistance, pension benefits, disability benefits, obtaining a B.C. identification card or establishing a bank account;
• support for residents to learn how to operate and maintain a home; and
• no-cost laundry services, either on- or off-site.

Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
250 952-0617

Rajvir Rao
BC Housing
604 456-8917