Homelessness Initiative comes to Vernon

Supportive housing opens in Vernon.

The Province has provided $1.2 million to purchase and renovate Belvedere Apartments, 17 units of affordable rental housing for people with mental health issues, announced Eric Foster, MLA for Vernon-Monashee.

“The Province is partnering with non-profit societies across B.C. to help create supportive housing solutions for those dealing with homelessness,” said Foster. “Through this development, we are giving individuals an opportunity to continue living in the communities where they have family and friends while they receive the support they need.”

The total capital cost to purchase and renovate the building, at 1708 – 32nd St. in Vernon, was $1,249,987. The Province provided funding through the Provincial Homelessness Initiative (PHI), a program that integrates support services with housing to help people move beyond temporary shelter to more secure housing, greater self-reliance and appropriate employment.

“Providing safe affordable housing with support services is an important solution to issues facing our city,” said Wayne Lippert, mayor of the City of Vernon. “Our community is committed to working with our provincial partners and local societies to meet the needs of Vernon’s most vulnerable citizens.”

Interior Health will provide support services for residents of the building through the Mental Health and Addictions Services and Brain Injury Services. These services will focus on health promotion, prevention, harm reduction, treatment, rehabilitation and recovery, including supporting individuals and families in self-care and resiliency.

“Support services play a vital role in creating stable housing for people who are living in at- risk situations,” said Cliff Cross, director of North Okanagan Mental Health Services, Interior Health Authority. “This development is a testament to the long-term solutions for homelessness and will improve the lives of many people in this community.”

Renovations included minor cosmetic work such as painting and flooring upgrades, and installation of a sprinkler system. The development will be operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – Vernon and District Branch.

“Our organization is proud to be involved in this development which addresses housing affordability and support services,” said Garry Pruden, director of housing and capital development, CMHA – Vernon and District Branch. “We believe supportive housing provides stability and a better quality of life to people living in vulnerable circumstances.”

The Province has committed to creating more than 4,000 new housing units under the Provincial Homelessness Initiative. In 2009/10, the Province’s budget for shelters and affordable housing is over $469 million – more than four times what it was in 2001.

‘Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness’ is a website providing a comprehensive and detailed look at provincial programs and services to address homelessness. Visit www.bchousing.org/breakingthecycle for more information.

VERNON
July 29, 2009
Ministry of Housing and Social Development

Backgrounder

Belvedere Apartments

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – Vernon and District Branch’s Belvedere Apartments, at 1708 – 32nd St. in Vernon, provides 17 newly renovated units of housing for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with mental health issues.

The development is a two-storey, wood frame building that includes three bachelor units, 13 one-bedroom units and one two-bedroom unit. The property is located on a bus route, and near a store and hospital.

Partners and Funding:

The total capital cost of this development is $1,249,987.

• The Province provided $419,987 in the form of a mortgage for renovations through the Provincial Homelessness Initiative (PHI) and a grant of $830,000 for the purchase of the building to lease to the society; and
• Interior Health’s Mental Health and Addictions Services and Brain Injury Services will provide support services.

Canadian Mental Health Association – Vernon and District Branch

Established in 1966, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – Vernon and District Branch is one of 20 branches in British Columbia. CMHA’s mission is to promote the mental health of all British Columbians and support the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental health issues. CMHA accomplishes this mission through advocacy, education, research and service. For more information, visit the CMHA website at www.vernon.cmha.bc.ca.