November 27, 2009
$13.7-Million Housing for Langley Homeless Opens

LANGLEY - A new $13.7-million development providing 55 beds for homeless people officially opened in Langley today, thanks to funding from federal, provincial, municipal and community partners.

The Salvation Army's Gateway of Hope provides 30 emergency shelter and 25 supportive transitional beds. In addition to the housing component, the Gateway of Hope will also have a drop-in meal service and provide support services onsite through The Salvation Army Community and Family Services programs. The development will meet a variety of needs for the homeless, as well as others in the community who are at risk.

"I applaud the hard work of The Salvation Army, our partners and the community of Langley for working together to see Gateway of Hope become a reality," said Rich Coleman, Minister of Housing and Social Development and Fort Langley-Aldergrove MLA. "The combination of housing and support services at Gateway will bring healing and stability, and will help transform people's lives."

"The Gateway of Hope serves as a symbol of our commitment to end homelessness in Langley and across the province," added Mary Polak, Minister of Children and Family Development and Minister Responsible for Child Care and MLA for Langley. "This project has always been more than just about bricks and mortar - it's about providing the opportunity for people to take back their lives, hopes and dreams."

"Our government is supporting many Canadians with housing needs and is fulfilling our commitment to help those seeking to break free of the cycle of homelessness and poverty," said Mr. Russ Hiebert, Member of Parliament for South Surrey-White Rock-Cloverdale, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. "Through this investment, the governing council of The Salvation Army will be able to help people who are homeless, or at risk of being homeless, by providing transitional, supportive and long-term housing and services."

"Gateway of Hope demonstrates the positive outcomes when all levels of government unite with community partners to help those most in need," said Mayor Peter Fassbender, City of Langley. "This project and the values contained within it will go a long way towards providing an effective long-term solution to the issues of homelessness and helping others who are marginalized in our community. We as a community are committed to working with The Salvation Army and all our partners to see the goals we have all agreed to being realized as we move forward."

"With the opening of this facility, a great need is being met in our community, one that will greatly improve the lives of many," added Township of Langley Mayor Rick Green. "We are so grateful for the hard work, dedication and passion that was demonstrated in the drive to make the Gateway of Hope a reality."

"The Salvation Army's Gateway of Hope will not only provide transition housing and emergency shelter beds, but also a range of support services to help individuals regain their independence in the community," said colonel Don Copple of The Salvation Army. "Partnerships between government and community are the cornerstones that help people most in need build on their strengths and begin to see their own successes."

The development has been created through the Provincial Homelessness Initiative (PHI), which integrates health and social services with housing to help people move beyond temporary shelter to more secure housing, greater self-reliance and appropriate employment. The project also received a one-time Housing Endowment Fund (HEF) grant.

In 2009-10, B.C.'s budget for social housing is approximately $450 million, more than three 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.

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