Published: April 04, 2009 12:00 PM Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star
A major infusion of cash has ensured that a critical affordable housing initiative proceeds. The provincial government is providing $600,000 towards the Under One Roof project, which will see a six-plex townhouse constructed on 25th Avenue. “We are very excited,” said Annette Sharkey, with the Social Planning Council, one of the project partners. “This funding means it’s a go, we are going ahead.” About $1.2 million is needed for the entire project, and while she isn’t sure how much has been raised to date, Sharkey is confident in reaching the target. “You will see construction taking place in the next two weeks,” she said. Much of the labour will be done by Okanagan College’s residential construction students and the project could be completed by the end of the year. The units will be occupied by clients of Habitat for Humanity and the Kindale Developmental Association. “Thanks to this great project, people with low-incomes will have access to more affordable rental housing through a strong community partnership effort,” said Tom Christensen, Okanagan Vernon MLA, in a release. The Habitat for Humanity unit will be purchased by the family that will reside there. “It’s geared towards people who are working who don’t have a high wage and a problem meeting their rent,” said Sharkey. Other partners in Under One Roof are the City of Vernon, Heartwood Homes, MQN Architects, the Real Estate Foundation, Kalamalka Rotary Club and Home Depot. Planning for the project began in November, and there has been a number of activities behind the scenes, leading up to the government funding announcement. “It’s exciting what the community can do when it puts its mind to it,” said Sharkey.
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