$17-million housing for Aboriginal families breaks ground

VANCOUVER, June 17, 2011 - A development that will offer affordable housing for Aboriginal foster families, youth transitioning out of foster care and low-income families has started construction in Vancouver.

The Aboriginal Children's Village is a $17 million partnership project that has funding from:

• The Government of Canada, with $710,000 under the Homelessness Partnering Strategy.
• The Province of B.C., through a $5.25-million capital grant.
• The City of Vancouver will provide $240,000 in funding as well as waivers and levy reductions of $246,507.
• Lu'ma Native Housing Society through equity and financing of approximately $10.5 million.
• Fineday Transition House will also sponsor a unit to provide transitional housing to homeless Aboriginal clients leaving the Vi Fineday Family Shelter.
• The site was purchased and held for Lu'ma by Vancity and financed by Vancity Community Real Estate.

Lu'ma Native BCH Housing Society will own, manage and operate the Aboriginal Children's Village located at 2980 and 2990 Nanaimo St. in Vancouver.

The Aboriginal Children's Village will be a three-storey building with 24 affordable apartments. The mixed-use building will have commercial and amenity space on the ground floor and meet

Energuide 80 standards. Construction is expected to be complete in early 2012.

Quotes

Hon. Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development
"Our government is giving a hand-up to Canadians with housing needs and is helping those seeking to break free from the cycle of homelessness and poverty. We are pleased to be a part of the Aboriginal Children’s Village project which will provide much-needed help to Aboriginal youth, foster families and low-income families in Vancouver"

Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Housing
"This development will provide foster families with affordable housing so they can care for vulnerable young people in a safe environment. Together with our partners, we are creating housing with positive benefits for youth, families and the community."

Mayor Gregor Robertson, City of Vancouver
"The City of Vancouver is proud to partner on this project, which will make a real difference in the lives of Aboriginal residents in our community. We are committed to continuing to expand affordable housing options throughout Vancouver, and this project is a great example of what we can achieve in partnership with the provincial government and local groups like Lu'ma Native Housing Society."

Ken Clement, President, Lu'ma Native Housing Society
"Our goal is to provide affordable housing for Aboriginal families and individuals. We thank the governments and our community partners who are helping us to assist those who are at-risk in our community. This project is one of many required to help the more than 3,500 people on our wait list."

Quick facts

Over the last decade, the Province has invested $2.8 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families in communities throughout B.C. The Aboriginal Housing Initiative (AHI) funds new, affordable housing for Aboriginal people living off-reserve and to meet long-term Aboriginal housing needs.

Through the AHI, 200 housing units are being developed in eight BC communities to create safe, secure and culturally appropriate housing for youth, women and elders. In total, the Province administers more than 3,890 units of Aboriginal Housing and is working in consultation with Aboriginal Housing Management Association to administer the Aboriginal Housing Trust. The Province also funds the Aboriginal Homeless Outreach Program in eight communities to help homeless Aboriginal people living on the streets and provide access to housing, income assistance and community-based support services.

Lu'ma Native Housing Society was incorporated in 1980 to provide affordable housing to Aboriginal families and individuals with low to moderate income. The society currently owns and operates an affordable housing portfolio in excess of 300 units as well as a range of other services, including Community Voice Mail (a service that provides a lifeline for the homeless of the GVRD), and the First Nations Patients' Lodge. It also acts as the community entity to deliver Homelessness Partnering Strategy funds to alleviate Aboriginal homelessness in Metro Vancouver on behalf of Canada and the Aboriginal community.