More Than A Roof Foundation

October 2012

North Vancouver – More Than A Roof Housing Society and its affiliate 18th Street Community Care Society have finalized the purchase of their second house for the purpose of support based mental health housing. Homelessness continues to be a reality on the North Shore and a pressing issue that requires ongoing action.

In partnership with More Than A Roof Foundation and health care funding from Vancouver Coastal Health they secured the property to provide 5 permanent beds for individuals living with chronic or severe mental illness in a group home setting. Phil Chapman, a social planner with the District of North Vancouver, supports the initiative. “We recognize the importance of maintaining a continuum of housing and support services for the homeless and see 18th Street Community Care Society as a responsible organization essential to this priority.”

This property is part of a larger affordable housing mandate by the society to address poverty and homelessness in British Columbia. And it is making a difference in the lives of real people affected by the affordable housing crisis. One group home tenant in the program states, “The support and encouragement from more than a roof plus the subsidy to make my housing affordable has been a true blessing. I have so much peace of mind, contentment and a feeling of security.”

Through strong partnerships and a commitment to quality, affordably housing More Than A Roof and its subsidiaries are facing the issues of poverty and homelessness head on. “[They] are a fiscally responsible organization essential to the process of helping provide long-term care solutions for those living with mental illness in our region,” stated Claudia Frowein, manager of mental health and addictions with Vancouver Coastal Health.

Since 1984 More Than A Roof Housing Society has grown to house over 1100 men, women and children in 10 communities in British Columbia. The 18th Street Community Care Society serves 120 individuals in North Vancouver living with chronic or severe mental health issues.