Streetohome Foundation Receives $1.2 Million From Vancity for Supportive Housing For Homeless People With Mental Illness and Addictions

Streetohome Foundation Receives $1.2 Million From Vancity for Supportive Housing For Homeless People With Mental Illness and Addictions

June 29, 2012, Vancouver – Today Streetohome Foundation is pleased to announce a $1.2 Million contribution from Vancity Credit Union in support of its capital campaign to break the cycle of homelessness in Vancouver. This generous donation will be allocated to the renovation of Taylor Manor, located at Boundary and Adanac, and the addition of a three-storey annex to the site. The renewal of this heritage building is also supported through a partnership with the City of Vancouver and Province of BC, and will provide 56 supported housing units and facilities for people with mental illness and addictions.

“Safe, affordable housing is a key driver of economic self-reliance and community well-being,” said Virginia Weiler, Chair of the Board of Directors, Vancity. ‘ Taylor Manor is a great example of how we can come together and put money to good to help build vibrant, healthy communities that can thrive and prosper’.

Streetohome Foundation is committed to working with non-profit, business, community, and government partners to find new approaches to preventing and alleviating homelessness in Vancouver.

“Streetohome is dedicated to building capacity within the housing continuum for homeless individuals living with mental illness and addictions,” said Dick Vollet, President of Streetohome Foundation. “Taylor Manor will provide the types of programs and supports that people who are at great risk of chronic homelessness need in order to maintain their housing and establish stability in their lives.”

Taylor Manor will be operated by The Kettle Friendship Society, a well-respected and experienced service provider working with people with mental health challenges since 1976. They will offer residents an opportunity to live independently with a tenant-centred philosophy of creating individualized goals, support and services. The Kettle also honours their tenants’ social, spiritual and personal growth. The program allows residents to build life skills such as shopping, cooking, and cleaning, and encourages group activities including gardening, swimming, art, and music through their Enhanced model programming.

“The Kettle is thrilled to be chosen to operate this supported housing facility,” said Nancy Keough, Executive Director of The Kettle Friendship Society.  “We see our vision of bringing safe and secure housing across Vancouver becoming a reality, and we are excited to be part of this wonderful community.”

About Vancity:
At Vancity we make good money by putting money to good. Vancity’s vision of redefining wealth incorporates personal and community well-being. Vancity has distributed $221 million to members through dividends and to communities through grants and community investment initiatives since 1994. We are a member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values—a network of the world’s leading sustainable banks sharing the commitment to achieving triple-bottom-line impact through responsible banking practices. A Living Wage employer, Vancity is Canada’s largest community credit union, with $16.1 billion in assets, more than 479,500 members and 59 branches throughout Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Victoria and Squamish.

About Streetohome Foundation:
Streetohome is dedicated to ensuring that residents of our city have access to safe, decent, affordable housing and the support they need to make a difference in their lives. Streetohome is the first organization in Vancouver to take a systematic approach to addressing both homelessness and its root causes. Learn more at www.streetohome.org. 

About The Kettle Friendship Society:

The Kettle supports over 3,600 individuals in Metro Vancouver living with mental illness to lead healthier lives by providing housing, employment, advocacy and support services. For more information, please visit http://www.thekettle.ca/.