News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

(Photos by  Joe Cousins)

**Updated**

The newly renovated Jubilee Place officially opened yesterday, providing 33 suites with integrated support services for individuals at risk of homelessness in Williams Lake, announced Donna Barnett, MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin.

Trevor Barnes, Executive Director at CMHA was the MC of the Grand Opening ceremonies, he introduced Chief Anne Louie of the Williams Lake Indian Band. Chief Louie emphasized what this would mean to the local homeless by giving them a chance to get back on their feet, she then introduced Millie Emile of the Williams Lake Indian Band who performed a blessing of the facility.

MLA Donna Barnett, Mayor Kerry Cook, both spoke about the benefits that Jubilee Place would provide for the homeless in our area and the great support the project received from all levels of government and the community. Gaye Saunders, Board Chair, CMHA introduced Raymond Lulua, a resident of Jubilee Place. Raymond emphasized the safe and secure environment provided combined with the freedom and sense of community inside Jubilee Place for all the residents.

"Providing safe, affordable housing with integrated support services has proven to be a successful way to help individuals break their cycle of homelessness," said Barnett. "Our government is implementing supportive housing options throughout the province to ensure that our citizens in need have access to appropriate housing and services."

The Province provided an $830,000 grant to purchase the building, located at 845 Carson Drive in Williams Lake (formerly the Jamboree Motel), as well as $590,000 for renovations and upgrades. In addition, the Province is providing $204,666 in annual operational funding.

"I would like to thank the Province for investing in supportive housing and maintaining the affordable housing stock in Williams Lake," said Mayor Kerry Cook, City of Williams Lake. "Our city aims to offer services that benefit all our residents, and the addition of Jubilee Place will add to the myriad of much-needed services in our community."

Renovations to the buildings included structural, electrical, and fire- and life-safety upgrades, as well as new flooring, and interior and exterior painting. Jubilee Place is comprised of two one-story buildings and one two-story building, providing 33 suites including a one-bedroom suite, two two-bedroom suites and 30 studio suites.

After the ribbon cutting which included all the speakers, facility manager Darlene Doskoch took a group of dignitaries and media on a tour of the facility, showing off one of the suites that was ready for occupancy. Darlene explained that all units have basic furniture and a bed and that nine suites have kitchenettes in them. She also would like to thank the annonymous donator for their generous donation of $6000 that was used towards a gas pressure washer and a propane BBQ grill as well as some outdoor furniture the residents chose to use in a group socializing area at Home Hardware.

Heather Pipke, Jubilee Resident and Community Garden organizer was a driving force behind the garden becoming the success it has "I would have to give credit to my mother, Thelma Pipke, who was a big contributor in both time and supplies to help get the "Miracle Garden" up and running".

All visitors are required to check in and the staff ensure there are no undesirable visitors who may try to sell drugs or cause problems for tenants. There is a room with a computer to do job searches with as well as a phone for local calls and 33 mailboxes that were donated by the City of Williams Lake. "The thing that gets the tenants most excited is getting the key to their mailbox, because for some it signifies a place to call their own and helps them feel very independent." according to Darlene Doskoch.

"When the first tenants moved in they all kept their doors closed and blinds drawn, until we installed the security fence around the complex. Within days they all had their blinds and doors open and were out sitting in groups socializing" stated Darlene. "The tenants highest priorities are safety and security and with the installation of the fence, they have that" said Trevor Barnes.

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) - Cariboo Chilcotin Branch was selected to manage, operate and provide support services at Jubilee Place. Established in 1972, CMHA - Cariboo Chilcotin Branch promotes the mental health of all and supports the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness. CMHA accomplishes this mission through advocacy, education, research and service. The society is developing future plans for a community kitchen program at the on-site commercial kitchen and dining room.

"We are dedicated to providing programs and services that foster individual growth and promote wellness, said Gay Sanders, board chair, Canadian Mental Health Association - Cariboo Chilcotin Branch. "Our partnership with the Province, through Jubilee Place, has allowed us to further meet our mission to help develop a strong and healthy community."

In 2010-11, the Province will invest over $562 million to provide affordable housing and fight homelessness - more than four 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.

Photo gallery of the grand opening of Jubilee Place in Williams Lake

01/12 

   

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