August 25, 2008
Province Commits $500,000 To Phase Two Of Integrated Housing Project In Swan River: Doer
– – –ECHO II Targets Low-income Households, Those with Mental-health Issues
SWAN RIVER - As part of its ongoing commitment to help the homeless and people with mental-health issues, the province has set aside $500,000 for the second phase of an integrated housing project in Swan River, Premier Gary Doer announced here today.
“Mental health, homelessness and affordable housing are priority issues for the Manitoba government,” Doer said. “That is why it is so important we work with organizations like the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) to develop new strategies to help people overcome these issues.”
CMHA Swan Valley is working on developing ECHO II (Emergency Community Housing Opportunity), a proposed integrated housing project to be located in Swan River that will help low-income households and those with mental-health issues.
“Housing is a key factor in the health and well-being of all of us. Poor housing and inadequate supports can lead to homelessness, safety risks, increased hospital stays and greater use of emergency services, and puts a huge burden on family members,” Doer said. “The province is proud to be able to work with CMHA Swan Valley to provide additional basic, safe and affordable housing options for Manitobans.”
In March 2007, CMHA Swan Valley officially opened the first phase of its new integrated housing complex in Dauphin. The project, called ECHO, included 21 units that provide emergency, transitional and long-term affordable housing for Dauphin-area residents.
“Total project costs were approximately $1.4 million and the province was proud to support the project with a $500,000 contribution through the Canada-Manitoba Affordable Housing Initiative. ECHO II will continue the good work being done by CMHA,” said deputy premier Rosann Wowchuk, minister of agriculture, food and rural initiatives.
“For those who suffer from mental illness, the effects can be devastating,” she said. “Housing developments such as this allow CMHA to give people in need the critical support they need as they recover.”
CMHA has been working on developing ECHO II for the past year after the success of the first project in Dauphin. There is a need for the same kind of housing in Swan River, said Marv Fried, regional director of CMHA Parkland Region.
“This is welcome news that we will receive funds and support from the government,” he said. “It means we can now move forward with this project.”
In April 2007, the Province of Manitoba announced HOUSINGFirst, a new four-pillar strategy for housing that includes:
· the development of affordable housing for low-income Manitobans,
· the revitalization of existing public housing,
· the provision of emergency and transitional shelter for homeless individuals, and
· the extension of existing renovation programs including the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP).
As well, the provincial Homeless Initiative (HI) was created and tasked to continue exploring options for preventing homelessness.
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