A regional census in 2008 showed that homelessness was on the increase. In response, the City and BC Housing have collaborated on a number of housing initiatives to better serve the homeless population in New Westminster.
Rhoda Kaellis Residence on Royal Avenue
One of the projects was the conversion of the old Garfield Hotel into the Lookout Emergency Aid Society’s Rhoda Kaellis Residence.
The Rhoda Kaellis Residence is a four storey building at the bottom of Royal Avenue. It has 24 units of supportive housing for men and women with a history of homelessness, mental health issues and substance abuse.
Residents of the 11 transitional housing units will receive housing with support services for up to two years. The remaining 13 affordable apartments will be permanent independent housing for individuals moving from transitional housing. The ground floor has amenity space, including a resident lounge and a community kitchen.
We are proud of the fact that the development has a LEED Gold certification as part of the Province’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Partners and Funding
The project was made possible because of a subsidized mortgage by the Province, and the federal government, through the Affordable Housing Agreement, is providing a $1.65-million grant and land equity of $900,000 through the Supportive Community Partnership Initiative
In a recent article in the Record it is reported that homelessness is down in New Westminster
For more information about homelessness in New Westminster
