BC Government News Release - The Province is investing $4 million to expand Swift House and $257,600 to provide additional emergency shelter spaces for the City of Victoria over the next four months, Housing and Social Development Minister Rich Coleman announced today.

“Our government is working with municipal and community partners to support economic growth and create innovative housing options,” said Coleman. “We are delivering on our commitment to the City of Victoria to provide three new supportive housing developments valued at more than $28 million so that people at risk of homelessness can forge a path towards a healthy, independent future.”

“Ending homelessness is a top priority for the City of Victoria, and supportive housing projects, like Swift House, are an important step in reaching that goal,” said Victoria Mayor and co-chair for the Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness Dean Fortin. “This project is evidence of what can be accomplished when everyone comes to the table with something to offer, bringing community together to make life better for everyone.”

The expansion of Cool Aid's Swift House, located at 1634 Store St., will create approximately 20 to 23 new supportive housing apartments. Two other sites are currently under construction as part of an agreement between the Province and City of Victoria: 950 Humboldt St. and 525 Ellice St. Once complete, Cool Aid's new shelter beds at Ellice Street will replace the existing Streetlink shelter, which will close and be turned into new apartments for Swift House.

“Knowing that the funding for the construction is now secure is very good news,” said Kathy Stinson, executive director for Victoria Cool Aid Society. “It takes a range of housing and support services to break the cycle of homelessness, and the ability to expand Swift House for more supportive apartments will be a significant addition to the resources we have available in our community.”

The 85 new emergency shelter spaces will be housed at three locations around the City of Victoria. They will be available from July 1–Oct. 31, 2010. The funding of $257,600 from the Province is the result of co-operation between community partners. To help provide support services, AIDS Vancouver Island (AVI) has also agreed to reallocate some existing services to help street homeless and those with substance abuse issues. As part of this change, two outreach workers and an addiction support worker will offer basic short-term interventions aimed at preventing the spread of HIV, hepatitis C and other blood-borne diseases. Outreach services are offered seven days a week, while the addiction support services are offered Monday to Friday.

These support services are based out of the Streetlink shelter. People in need will be connected with other health and social services for more extensive care as required. “Together with the Victoria Cool Aid Society that operates Streetlink, we’ve prepared a service plan to ensure the integrated supports will be suitable for those who need them. Resources like these will make a real difference in people’s lives,” said Marilyn Callahan, board chair, AIDS Victoria Island. In 2010-11, B.C.’s budget for social housing is approximately $562 million, more than four 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. Visit www.bchousing.org/breakingthecycle for more information.