People living with disabilities now have access to nine new affordable rental units in Creston, thanks to a partnership between the Province, the Kootenay Region Association for Community Living (KRACL) and Columbia Basin Trust.
The new units are located at Spectrum Farms on Erickson Road, a 26-acre site owned by KRACL, which is home to a variety of social enterprises. The Cedar Linden Building has been renovated and converted into six one-bedroom and three two-bedroom independent units that meet the needs of low-income people with disabilities. The renovated building also includes a common lounge, kitchen and outdoor deck.
“Moving to the new building on Spectrum Farm has been a highlight in my recent life,” said Maya Moore, a tenant in the building. “My outlook on life has improved greatly in the short time I have been here and thus my mental health has improved as well. Not enough can be said for having a safe, self-contained, warm and healthy space to live in. The care and concern of all volunteers and staff who have worked to create this space is, and has been, inspiring.”
The Province provided a $2.3 million grant, the Trust contributed $250,000 and KRACL provided the land and is operating the new rental units. KRACL also received funding from the Creston Valley Gleaners Society and private donors.
“Safe, healthy and affordable living conditions in a welcoming location – these are the benefits that future residents in these nine units can expect,” said Mark Brunton, Senior Manager Delivery of Benefits for Columbia Basin Trust. Projects like these increase the well-being of both individuals and the communities they call home, painting a brighter future for the region overall. We thank the Kootenay Region Association for Community Living and other project partners for helping to make such a difference.
Since 2002, the Trust has supported the development, upgrade or repair of nearly 3,000 affordable housing units in 24 Basin communities through initiatives with local housing organizations, the federal and provincial governments, First Nations communities and Basin colleges. Learn more at ourtrust.org/housing.
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