More than 100 women and their children will now have a place to call home on the Downtown Eastside. The province and federal governments have opened the Sorella House as part of their $180 million partnership.
"Our government is proud to have been a partner in the development of this project, one that will have a lasting impact on this community," said Federal Heritage Minister James Moore.
"At times we all need a little extra support to overcome the challenges life can bring and all the partners came together to help make sure these women don't have to take that journey alone. The province is committed to housing investments like this that make a difference to families and to our communities," says Housing Minister Rich Coleman.
"Sorella is meeting a critical need in the community and I am proud that we have created a strong partnership with other levels of government and community organizations towards the common goal of addressing homelessness in Vancouver," says Mayor Gregor Robertson.
Meantime, the City of Vancouver is offering to developers millions of dollars in its efforts to end homelessness by 2015. The plan includes putting up $42 million worth of land and capital grants to entice the industry to take the plunge.
Over 10 years, it's hoped developers will build almost 8,000 units of social housing, 11,000 rental units and an additional 20,000 condos. It's expected council will vote on the Housing and Homelessness Strategy tomorrow.
