(left to right) John Dooley, Ex-Mayor, City of Nelson; Neil Muth, President and CEO, Columbia Basin Trust; David Wilks, Member of Parliament for Kootenay-Columbia on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State for Social Development; Linda Larson, MLA for Boundary-Similkameen, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation for Accessibility; Ron Little, Board Chair, Nelson CARES Society; Deb Kozak, Mayor of the City of Nelson; Jenny Robinson, Executive Director, Nelson CARES Society; Councillor Michael Dailly, City of Nelson; Councillor Bob Adams, City of Nelson.
An additional 14 people in need now have access to supportive housing at two newly renovated developments in Nelson, owned and operated by the Nelson CARES Society.
The developments were made possible through support from the Trust and the governments of Canada and British Columbia through their joint Affordable Rental Housing initiative.
“These projects are creating more and much needed affordable housing in Nelson,” said Neil Muth, Columbia Basin Trust President and Chief Executive Officer. “We congratulate all of those who worked co-operatively on these projects, particularly the Nelson CARES Society. With a lot of hard work, creativity and planning, they made this a reality.”
Ward Street Place has 10 new supportive housing units for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, bringing the total to 45 units. As part of the renovations, the development has new electrical and sprinkler systems, an upgraded fire alarm and exterior masonry.
Stepping Stones Emergency Shelter, originally located in the basement of Ward Street Place, was relocated to a newly renovated building at 816 Vernon St. The building now houses four new supportive housing units and the 17-bed year-round homeless shelter.
In total, these projects received $345,000 from the governments of Canada and BC and $345,000 from the Trust. The Government of BC also provided additional funding and long-term financing.
