Light for the homeless

Candela Place, a 63-unit, low-income housing complex was officially opened Dec. 8 at 1267 Granville St. in downtown Vancouver. It is managed by MCC Housing, which is affiliated with Mennonite Central Committee B.C.

Funding for the $6.6 million project came from three levels of government. The city of Vancouver bought the land for $1 million and is leasing it to MCC Housing for $1 a year. The city also paid $305,000 to build the non-residential space on the ground floor and will retain management of it.

The Canadian government contributed $945,000 through the Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation. The rest of the money came from the British Columbia government, which will also contribute $6.9 million in operating subsidies over the next 35 years. Mental health services, including meal and work programs and an on-site social worker, will be provided by Vancouver Coastal Health Authority.

The units are studio units designed for a single occupant, with a kitchen and private bathroom. Six units are wheelchair accessible. Twenty of the 63 units have been reserved for people with mental illnesses. The tenants, who pay low rents, began moving in in August 2002. Some came from vermin-infested hotels with little privacy or services. There are an estimated 600 homeless people in Vancouver, 30% of them mentally ill.

The motto of MCC Housing is “more than a roof”. Founded in 1984, it works to build supportive communities where people can find healing. Tenants will have access to programs offered by MCC, including life skills training, support groups and workshops on budgeting, conflict resolution and vocational options. “Candela” means “candle” in Spanish. MCC Housing provides housing for almost 600 people in six communities.

—jc, from information supplied by MCC Housing