Province, Feds step up to make Nelson CARES expansion affordable
By Nelson Daily Staff
Heather Austin, The Nelson Daily
Prominent community members, representatives of government and a group of engaged citizens gathered at Ward Street Place Thursday to acknowledge and celebrate the Nelson CARES expansion of affordable housing services in Nelson.
The new 11 units and extensive renovations helped in the creation of spacious, clean, and cheerful housing units for those who need it most.
Through the Affordable Rental Housing Initiative, Canadian and BC Governments invested a combined $190,000 to Ward Street Place, located at 567 Ward Street, and $155,000 to the Stepping Stones Emergency Shelter, situated at 816 Vernon Street.
The Columbia Basin Trust matched both governmental monetary contributions.
“The city is proud to have safe and secure housing for Nelson’s vulnerable residents. I would like to congratulate Nelson CARES Society for all of their hard work and dedication,” said Nelson Mayor Deb Kozak.
“These newly refreshed developments will enable them to provide much needed services and shelter for people in need.”
The B.C government contributed an additional $50,000 (Ward Street Place) and $80,000 (Stepping Stones) in funding for renovations, as well as pledges for long-term financing of up to $1.35 million and $696,500, respectively.
David Wilks, a Kootenay-Columbia Member of Parliament, spoke on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State for Social Development.
“Our government is committed to working with British Columbia to develop and implement local solutions to housing,” Wilks said.
“I am delighted that our investment is bringing more suitable and affordable accommodation to Nelson. These two projects will allow those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to remain and thrive in this community, close to necessary support services.”
And MLA for Boundary-Similkameen, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation for Accessibility, Linda Larson, offered her compliments to the worthy party.
In a statement of humility and true community spirit, Neil Muth, President and CEO of the Columbia Basin Trust, imparted an important message to the dedicated people at Nelson CARES that made the growth of these services possible:
“Funds are important, and are necessary to make projects happen,” Muth, said.
“But funds do not make projects, it is people that make projects”.
Jenny Robinson, Executive Director for the Nelson CARES society, has been working on projects like these for 30 years and urges the community not to stop now.
“Canada is facing a housing crisis,” Robinson said.
“These 11 units are a drop in the bucket and we really need to work together to build more, and these collaborations is how you do that.”
Deb Blenderman, a resident of Ward Street Place said she is excited about her new home.
Blenderman expressed enthusiasm about Ward Street Place’s new communal space, and how it would help to create a sense of community amongst those at the shelter.
A ribbon was cut outside the newly renovated Ward Street Place to mark the occasion.
Quick Facts:
- Annually, the Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), will invest approximately $2 billion in housing. These investments improve the quality of life for low-income Canadians and households living in existing social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people. Economic Action Plan 2013 continued this commitment with a federal investment of more than $1.25 billion over five years to renew the Investment in Affordable Housing to 2019. The Government of Canada will ensure that funds provided to provinces and territories support the use of apprentices, which will support training of skilled labour. To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC help Canadians meet their housing needs, call CMHC at 1 800 668-2642 or visit: www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca
- Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $4.4 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors, and families. This year, more than 102,000 B.C. households will benefit from provincial social housing programs and services. To find out more, go to: www.bchousing.org
- Columbia Basin Trust delivers economic, social, and environmental benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin. To learn more about Columbia Basin Trust programs and initiatives, visit: www.cbt.org
- Operating since 1974, Nelson CARES Society is a client-centered-service charitable organization. Through community collaboration and service excellence, Nelson CARES Society works toward a socially just society by providing programs and initiatives in advocacy, housing, employment, support services, and environmental stewardship. For more information, please see: http://nelsoncares.ca
