Open House Ministries (OHM), has been awarded a grant of $1 million for new 30-unit affordable housing project in downtown Vancouver. The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust made the announcement on Wednesday, pledging $1 million in their support to assist homeless families in the area. The funds will be utilized to develop OHM West, an affordable apartment complex located in downtown Vancouver. They aim to start accommodating families in need starting from the spring of 2024.
In a proactive effort to address the affordable housing challenges faced by Vancouver residents, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust has commenced construction on the 1212 Jefferson St. property. This four-story facility, comprising 30 units, will provide affordable housing options for families transitioning from Open House Ministries’ family shelter. The complex will feature a range of studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, and the ground floor will house the Secondhand Solutions Thrift Store and Wheel Deals Bicycle Shop, offering vocational training opportunities to residents.
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Vancouver’s Commitment to Affordable Housing
Samantha Whitley, Vancouver’s housing program manager, emphasized the significance of the Affordable Housing Fund as the city’s primary local resource for addressing the need for affordable housing and preventing homelessness. Organizations have the flexibility to use the allocated funds in different ways, such as providing rental assistance, establishing housing shelters, and offering other housing-related services. Over the past five years, records indicate that the funds have facilitated the construction or preservation of 1,064 affordable housing units. In addition they have provided rental aid or services to 1,654 households.
The new affordable housing units in Vancouver location is close to the Open House Ministries campus. This means that residents will have convenient access to a range of services. These services include case management, parenting classes, educational activities, and weekly chapel services. OHM strongly believes that ongoing support for families. Especially after they leave the shelter and reintegrate into the community significantly enhances their chances of long-term success.
Rudy Carrasco, a program director at the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, praised Open House Ministries for their efforts in dealing with affordable housing in Vancouver. He acknowledged their commitment and actions towards addressing the problem. Having been leading this mission for nearly four decades.
