RICHMOND – The Province is partnering with the City of Richmond to build 40 new homes with 24/7 support services to address the immediate needs of people in the community struggling to find a stable place to live.

“Homelessness is a critical issue in Richmond and across the province, which has put a strain on our communities and our families for too long,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Our government understands that housing is the heart of community. We are focused on working with local governments to build homes where people have the safe foundation they need to rebuild their lives.”

Each studio home will include a self-contained kitchen and bathroom. The combination of housing and support services will give people the opportunity to transition from temporary housing to secure, longer-term options.

RainCity Housing will operate at the homes and will be onsite 24/7 to connect residents with support services, as well as provide them with daily meals, life-skills training, and access to primary health and mental health services. The homes will also feature accessible designs for people living with disabilities and provide residents with a shared amenity space.

“Since the inception of the Affordable Housing Strategy in 2007, the city has been instrumental in the creation of over 1,500 affordable units in the community,” said Malcolm Brodie, mayor of Richmond. “The proposed modular, supportive housing fills a gap in the housing continuum and helps to support individuals in need to achieve stable and permanent housing.”

The City of Richmond is contributing use of the land at 7300 Elmbridge Way for the proposed homes for up to five years.

Project partners will hold a community meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018, from 3:30-7:30 p.m. at the Richmond Public Library — Brighouse (Main) branch located at 7700 Minoru Gate.

Information and an online survey to hear community feedback will also be available on LetsTalkRichmond.ca from Monday, Feb. 19 until Sunday, March 4, 2018.

Quick Facts:

• In the last Metro Vancouver homeless count, homelessness increased in the City of Richmond by 84% since 2014.
• The Government of B.C. is providing approximately $5.9 million towards the project.
• This is part of a provincewide investment of $291 million to build 2,000 homes around the province and more than $170 million over three years to provide 24/7 staffing and support services.
• Through this program, more than 1,200 new homes for people most in need have started development throughout the province.
• The Province will be working with local governments and community partners to develop a Homelessness Action Plan to reduce homelessness through permanent housing and services.

Contacts:
Lindsay Byers
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
250-952-0617

Rajvir Rao
BC Housing
604-456-8917

Kim Decker
City of Richmond
KDecker@richmond.ca
604-276-4371

Bill Briscall
RainCity Housing
bbriscall@raincityhousing.org
604-215-3047