Langley MP Mark Warawa And BC Housing Minister Rich Coleman Taking Action On Homelessness Issue In Lower Mainland

October 29, 2007

A new $7-million supportive housing apartment building officially opened in Vancouver Friday, providing help for people with mental health and addiction issues. The development is a partnership between all three levels of government, the local health authority and Triage Emergency Services & Care Society.

"The Government of Canada is delivering on its commitments to help those who are homeless and at risk of becoming homeless, including Canadians on our streets experiencing mental illness," said Mark Warawa, Member of Parliament for Langley, speaking on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. "Triage Emergency Services and Care Society will offer Vancouverites with mental illness access to the safe housing and support they need to improve their quality of life and fully participate in society."

5616 Fraser Street provides 30 units of supportive housing for adults with mental health issues who require support services and are engaged in active recovery from addictions. It will be operated by Triage Emergency Services & Care Society.

"5616 Fraser Street will make a real difference, both for the people who call it home and for the community, by providing stable housing and support to people battling addictions and mental illness," said Minister responsible for Housing Rich Coleman.

"Supportive housing developments are an important part of breaking the cycle of homelessness."
Warawa says this announcement bodes well for resolving Langley’s homelessness issues. “Langley has similar needs with regard to our homeless situation, and we are looking forward to seeing an emergency shelter here in Langley, in the near future,” says Warawa. “When we had a leadership roundtable meeting last year this need was identified as a priority and I look forward to the federal government participating and making it happen here too.”

“We need to be able to support those who need help and want help – and we will be there for them,” says the MP.  The development was created through partnerships under the Government of Canada's Homelessness Partnering Strategy and the Provincial Homelessness Initiative housing program, which is part of the ongoing work of the Premier's Task Force on Homelessness, Mental Illness and Addictions. The initiative integrates support services with housing to help people move beyond temporary shelter to more secure housing, greater self-reliance, and appropriate employment.

The Government of Canada, through its Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS), is taking action to prevent and reduce homelessness in Greater Vancouver. This strategy is providing $269.6 million over two years to help communities across Canada combat homelessness more effectively. The HPS puts in place structures and supports that help people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless achieve self-sufficiency and full participation in society.