Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) and the BC Non-Profit Housing Association (BCNPHA) are working together to help Basin communities and organizations with local affordable housing concerns through CBT’s new Affordable Housing Resources Program.
A statement from the CBT said the program will assist communities and organizations to evaluate options relating to existing housing projects, assess potential housing projects and develop plans, and understand how to work with a housing developer. The program will help them with experienced affordable housing consultants and communities or organizations that have relevant experience. The cost of accessing these resources will be subsidized by CBT.
“CBT is launching this program in response to requests from Basin communities and organizations for access to housing expertise and resources, as well as information sharing around housing issues,” Neil Muth, CBT President and CEO, said in the statement.
“We know that affordable housing issues can be complex and challenging. This program will help communities get the information they need to make sound decisions in determining their next steps, whether that help is needed in developing new projects, or managing existing ones.”
Karen Stone, Executive Director, BCNPHA, said this “allows communities to direct their own outcomes, while being supported by strategic resources.”
This program will not duplicate supports that are already available to communities or community organizations through other channels, and where appropriate, may complement existing supports. Given that the program is new, CBT and BCNPHA will seek feedback from communities and community organizations on the program and will improve the program as needed.
To learn more about the program or to access affordable housing experts, call 1-800-505-8998 or email housinghelp@cbt.org.
BCNPHA is a provincial, member-based organization that represents the non-profit housing sector and provides leadership and support to housing providers. Learn more about the BCNPHA at www.bcnpha.ca.
