Social advocates applaud Province’ affordable housing plan
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KAMLOOPS — Social housing advocates are applauding the BC Government’s plan to pour millions of dollars into providing affordable housing.
Premier Christy Clark has announced the province will spend $500 million to provide new affordable homes for those in need, and upgrade existing facilities, for a wide range of homeless. The Ask Wellness Society in Kamloops says locally, it’s been 6 years since there has been a new build affordable for people, and the social agency is hoping some of that money will be set aside for Kamloops.
“There’s need for more supportive housing, but for the other demographic, seniors, youth, working poor, these are all people that need affordable housing, social assistance rates still haven’t shifted, the shelter rate is $375 so needless to say it’s a real struggle for people to secure housing and without housing we’re not moving forward, the wellness is not evolving, you need a place to start with and from there you can develop a plan,” says Matt McLean, Ask Wellness Society.
The investment will provide nearly 3,000 rental units, and will be funded in part by proceeds from the 15% foreign-buyers tax, imposed last month for purchased residential property in the Vancouver area.
