DAWSON CREEK - New safe and secure homes with around-the-clock supports are available for people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness in Dawson Creek, following the opening of a new supportive housing building in the community.

"Everyone benefits when we address homelessness, so these homes will make a significant difference for people in Dawson Creek, regardless of whether or not they're moving in," said David Eby, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing. "Thank you to the City of Dawson Creek and our other partners for their substantial efforts in helping this project come together quickly. The best response to homelessness is a safe and supported home. I'm grateful to our partners for working to deliver these badly needed homes in Dawson Creek."

Located at 1024 - 1036 104 Ave., Nee Gin Naw Place is a three-storey permanent modular building with 32 self-contained studio homes, including two accessible units. Each home has a kitchenette and washroom. The building also has communal laundry and dining rooms and a commercial kitchen.

The City of Dawson Creek fast tracked its rezoning and municipal processes so Nee Gin Naw Place could be built quickly. Construction on the building started in October 2020.

The South Peace Community Resources Society (SPCRS), an experienced non-profit housing operator, will manage the building. The society will provide residents with 24-7 support services, including daily meals, life and employment skills training, and health and wellness support services. At least two staff members will always be on site.

Residents started moving into the homes at the beginning of May 2021.

Quotes:

Dale Bumstead, mayor, Dawson Creek -

"The development of this new facility, in partnership with the Province of BC, BC Housing, the City of Dawson Creek and South Peace Community Resources Society, will provide incredible support for those in need in our community. We are so impressed and pleased with how quickly this project has come to completion and now providing safe modern accommodation for vulnerable residents in our city."

Arden Smith, department manager, SPCRS -

"BC Housing and SPCRS have worked together to identify those who are experiencing homelessness in the community, have evaluated their support needs and developed a support

plan to prepare them as they move into their new homes. We are pleased to provide people with a modern, clean home within a high-quality building."

Quick Facts:

• The Province provided approximately $10 million to the project through the Supportive Housing Fund and will provide an annual subsidy of approximately $860,000 to the society to operate the building.
• The City of Dawson Creek provided the land for the building.

Learn More:

A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is available online: https://www.bchousing.org/homes-for-BC

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

To learn more about the South Peace Community Resources Society: https://www.spcrs.ca/

A backgrounder follows.

Contacts:

Ministry of Attorney General and Responsible for Housing
Media Relations
778 678-1572

BC Housing
media@bchousing.org

BACKGROUNDER

Services, supports provided for supportive housing

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

The Province is providing annual operating funding to help those with the highest housing needs to build new beginnings. Experienced staff provide support to tenants, based on their assessed needs. These supports include:

• on-site supports and connection to additional specialized supports in their community;
• supports that are tailored to the needs of the residents; health and wellness services, including mental health and addiction treatment programs;
• individual or group support services, such as life skills training, community information and social and recreational programs;
• meals;
• case planning and needs assessment;
• 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 site or off site.

Contacts:

Ministry of Attorney General and Responsible for Housing
Media Relations
778 678-1572

BC Housing
media@bchousing.org