VANCOUVER, BC, July 31,
2024 /CNW/ - People experiencing or at risk of
homelessness in Vancouver will
soon have access to 300 new affordable rentals, shelter beds, and
supportive homes – along with enhanced services – as construction
progresses on a new Vancouver Salvation Army Harbour Light
facility. The federal and provincial governments are
providing nearly $60 million towards
the new building in Vancouver.
The Salvation Army's Harbour Light project is relocating to 130
East Cordova. This project is a partnership between the federal
government, through the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation
(CMHC) and Correctional Service of Canada, the Province, through BC Housing, the
City of Vancouver, and the
Salvation Army. Once complete, it will replace and expand capacity
of the current Harbour Light building at 119 East Cordova, which is
in need of repair.
The new nine-storey building will be made up of 300 units,
including 134 year-round shelter spaces, 70 supportive homes, 46
affordable rentals, and 50 correctional beds. The new facility will
also include a community programming space.
Construction is underway and expected to complete in 2026.
During construction, the Salvation Army will continue to operate
Harbour Light out of the current location and a temporary shelter
location on East Hastings.
The new development will allow the Salvation Army to continue
the mission of Harbour Light to provide emergency shelter and
transition facilities in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside (DTES) that
enable clients to regain their health, obtain shelter, participate
in substance-use recovery programs, access affordable housing,
build employment skills and re-establish community connections.
Funding for this project includes:
- $27.2 million from the federal
government, including $23.6 million
through the Affordable Housing Fund and $3.6
million from Correctional Service of Canada
- $29.6 million from the Province
of British Columbia, through BC
Housing's Supportive Housing Fund for 57 supportive homes
- $43.6 million contribution and
the land for the project from the Salvation Army
- The City of Vancouver is
providing $756,000 in fee waivers and
a Community Housing Incentive Program (CHIP) grant funding
totalling $910,000
Quotes
"Today's announcement demonstrates how the federal government is
working with partners from all levels of government and non-profit
organizations to create a safe environment where individuals can
receive the necessary supports they need in order to thrive. This
mix of shelter beds and affordable homes will give Vancouver's most vulnerable residents a place
to recover, rebuild and thrive. This is another way that the
National Housing Strategy ensures that no one is left behind." –
The Honourable Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Centre
on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing,
Infrastructure and Communities
"The new Harbour Light facility will offer hundreds of safe
housing options to Vancouver's
Downtown Eastside and the people who need it most. This project is
an example of what can be realized when partners work together to
help address the complex challenges faced by people experiencing
homelessness in Vancouver – and
this important work is ongoing as committed in our Belonging in BC
homelessness action plan." – The Honourable Ravi
Kahlon, Minister of Housing for the Province of BC
"People experiencing or at risk of homelessness are better able
to gain stability when they have access to affordable housing and
essential supports such as health and employment. The new Harbour
Light facility and the retention of the old one means that more
homes will be accessible, and services will continue to be
available to people who need it most. Thanks to involved partners,
people in the community will not be left on their own in their path
to recovery and stability."– Joan
Phillip, MLA for Vancouver-Mount
Pleasant
"The Vancouver Harbour Light housing project is a significant
step forward in our ongoing efforts to support the most vulnerable
members in our community. By providing safe, affordable housing and
essential services, we're creating a foundation for stability and
recovery for those in the Downtown Eastside. We're proud to support
the work of local non-profits who play an important role in
delivering supportive and affordable housing in Vancouver." – Ken Sim, Mayor, City
of Vancouver
"The new Vancouver Harbour Light facility will allow us to
continue to provide hope to those in need in the Downtown Eastside
for years to come. With safe and welcoming social, living and
learning spaces, the new and exciting purpose-designed residential
facility will enhance our existing comprehensive continuum-of-care
model, further serve our client's diverse needs, and provide new
opportunities for the skills and personal development necessary for
lasting transformation. We are also pleased that our new building
will include a dedicated space for women, offering specialized
services and supports tailored to the unique needs of women
experiencing homelessness and substance use." –
Jim Coggles, Executive Director, The Salvation Army Harbour
Light
Quick facts:
- The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) is part of
Canada's National Housing
Strategy (NHS), an $82+ billion plan to give more Canadians a
place to call home. Progress on programs and initiatives are
updated quarterly at http://www.placetocallhome.ca.The Housing
Funding Initiatives Map shows affordable housing projects that have
been developed.
- As of March 2024, the federal
government has committed $50.97
billion to support the creation of over 146,000 units and
the repair of over 286,000 units These measures prioritize those in
greatest need, including seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people
experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and women and children
fleeing violence. The Affordable Housing Fund, provides
funding through contributions or low-interest and/or forgivable
loans to partnered organizations for new affordable housing and the
renovation and repair of existing, affordable and community
housing. This is a $13.2 billion
program under the National Housing Strategy (NHS) that gives
priority to projects that help people who need it most, including
women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous
peoples, people living with disabilities, those with mental health
or addiction issues, veterans, and young adults.
- As of December 31, 2023, the
Government of Canada has committed
over $8.17 billion to support the
creation of over 32,000 units and the repair of over 155,000 units
through the Affordable Housing Fund.
- These projects are part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C.
government. Since 2017, the Province has delivered nearly 80,000
new homes that have been completed or are underway, including more
including more than 7,600 in Vancouver.
- The Province has provided a $29.6
million equity contribution through BC Housing's Supportive
Housing Fund, and BC Housing will retain ownership of 57 supportive
housing units upon completion.
Related links:
- Visit Canada.ca/housing for the most requested Government
of Canada housing
information.
- CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and
financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need,
and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of
Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry. CMHC's aim
is that everyone in Canada has a
home they can afford and that meets their needs. For more
information, follow us
on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook.
- To find out more about the National Housing Strategy, please
visit www.placetocallhome.ca.
- To learn about B.C.'s new Homes for People action plan,
visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023HOUS0019-000436
- To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the
housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for
British Columbians,
visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/housing/
SOURCE Government of Canada