Under One Roof opens in Vernon

$1.9M supportive housing opens in Vernon.

Ministry of Housing and Social Development.

Under One Roof, a $1.9-million new development, officially opened today to provide five apartments of affordable, supportive housing for people with developmental disabilities and low-income families and one condo for affordable homeownership, announced Eric Foster, MLA for Vernon-Monashee.

“Our government is committed to creating more affordable housing throughout B.C.,” said Foster. “Many community partners have come together to build Under One Roof, an innovative development with a variety of supportive housing options available right here in Vernon.”

The Province of British Columbia provided a $600,000 grant toward the capital cost of the project. The City of Vernon provided the land valued at $135,000.

“Partnerships are the cornerstone of creating positive changes in communities and a successful project, and Under One Roof is a shining example of this,” said Vernon Mayor Wayne Lippert. “This new six-plex is an important addition to the lives of the people who will call it home and to our City’s affordable housing stock.”

Thirteen students from Okanagan College contributed to the project as part of the hands-on component of their Residential Construction program. A wide variety of local businesses and individuals made cash or in-kind contributions to the development.

“Our students benefited from the work experience and the opportunity to give back to and improve their community,” said Jim Hamilton, Okanagan College president. “Our students have participated in many projects throughout our region and we’re pleased to be involved in the creation of this much-needed housing development.”

The development brings together three non-profit societies to manage the housing. Kindale Developmental Association will manage and operate the three affordable rental apartments for people with developmental disabilities. The Vernon & District Community Land Trust (VDCLT) will manage and operate the other two affordable rental apartments. Habitat for Humanity built and will oversee the sale of the affordable homeownership condo.

“This development is an important step towards addressing the housing needs of a variety of people with low or fixed incomes here in Vernon,” said Kevin Campbell, president of Kindale Developmental Association. “We are grateful to our many partners whose commitment and dedication made Under One Roof a reality.”

“Community land trusts offer an innovative tool for solving the affordable housing problem by addressing key community development components of permanence and resident participation,” said Randy Kolibaba, president of Vernon & District Community Land Trust. “This development is a great example of the positive impact achieved through collaboration and partnerships.”

“Habitat is thrilled to be a part of this innovative partnership that will help Vernon families most in need overcome barriers to homeownership,” said Glory Westwell, board chair, Habitat for Humanity – Vernon Chapter. “Families will now have more access to affordable housing while helping them build equity for their future and escape the cycle of poverty.”

In 2009-10, the Province’s budget for social housing is approximately $450 million, more than three times as much as in 2001. ‘Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness’ is a website providing a comprehensive and detailed look at provincial programs and services to address homelessness.

Vernon
January 27, 2010
Ministry of Housing and Social Development
2010HSD0017-000090

Backgrounder

Located at 4100-25th Ave. in Vernon, Under One Roof provides six apartments of housing, which include one affordable homeownership condo and five affordable rental apartments for people with developmental disabilities and low-income families.

Kindale Developmental Association manages and operates three apartments (two one-bedroom and one three-bedroom apartments) for people with developmental disabilities. The Vernon and District Community Land Trust owns and manages two three-bedroom affordable rental apartments.

Habitat for Humanity built and will oversee the sale of one three-bedroom affordable homeownership condo for a low-income family. The eligible owner will pay up to 30 per cent of their gross income and will receive homeowner training and support services.

Partners and Funding:

The total capital cost of this development is approximately $1.9 million.

• The Province of British Columbia provided a $600,000 grant.
• The City of Vernon provided the land valued at $135,000.
• In-kind services and goods, valued at an estimated $1.2 million, were provided by:
  • The Okanagan College Residential Construction program, which donated construction labour as part of a working practicum.
  • Numerous community partners, including Heartwood Homes, MQN Architects and A+P3 Architecture & Planning.
  • Individual donations.

In addition, the Job Creation Partnerships (JCP) contributed over $91,000 to this project. JCP is funded through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement and administered by the Province of B.C. through the Ministry of Housing and Social Development. JCP is designed to support projects that will provide Employment Insurance (EI)-eligible participants with opportunities to gain work experience that will improve their employment prospects. Kelowna Habitat for Humanity – Vernon Chapter had five JCP eligible participants on this project.

Kindale Developmental Association

Kindale Developmental Association has been providing services to people with developmental disabilities in the North Okanagan for over 50 years. Increasingly, Kindale is involved in partnerships and initiatives that maximize independence and participation in community life for this population. Enabling access to safe, affordable and integrated housing is a key element.

The Vernon & District Community Land Trust

The Vernon & District Community Land Trust (VDCLT) is a non-profit charitable organization. The Board’s membership consists of people from the real estate, financial, legal, and business community who are interested in furthering the affordable housing goals of the region. The purpose of the VDCLT is to solicit for donations of land and partner with non-profit housing societies to build and manage affordable housing units.

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity is an independent housing program, building homes in partnership with working families in need. The Vernon Chapter was formed in November 2007 with its first home to be completed December of 2009. The Kelowna Affiliate which is our independent parent and mentor was formed in 1993. They have completed their 17th home this year. The Habitat organization in Canada was founded in 1985, consists of over 50,000 volunteers and 72 affiliate organizations from coast to coast, and is a member of Habitat for Humanity International, which spans 93 countries, has built over 300,000 homes, and is now building a new home somewhere in the world every 10 minutes.