Transition house for Aboriginal men opens in Vancouver

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July 11, 2011

Ministry of Energy and Mines
(Minister Responsible for Housing)
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada

VANCOUVER - The governments of Canada and British Columbia, along with
community partners, gathered today to celebrate the official re-opening of
the newly renovated and rejuvenated Circle of Eagles Lodge, a 17-bed,
supportive transitional housing development in Vancouver.

"With this announcement today, our government is supporting Canadians with
housing needs and helping those seeking to break free from the cycle of
homelessness and poverty," said Ms. Wai Young, Member of Parliament for
Vancouver South, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of
Human Resources and Skills Development. "We are pleased to contribute to
the Circle of Eagles Lodge Society and its efforts to help vulnerable
individuals in our community."

"With renovations complete, the Circle of Eagles Lodge will provide men in
need with access to quality, supportive transitional housing," said Kash
Heed, MLA for Vancouver-Fraserview. "This revitalized building and the
onsite support services are critical to helping these men rebuild their
lives as they overcome their personal challenges."

The Government of Canada, through the Homelessness Partnering Strategy
(HPS), provided a grant of $608,579 and a current annual operational
funding of approximately $586,000 through Correctional Services Canada.
The Province of British Columbia provided a grant of $1.5 million and the
City of Vancouver provided contributions of approximately $160,000. The
Lu'ma Native Housing Society (LNHS) will waive construction management
fees and the Circle of Eagles Lodge Society (COELS) will finance over $1.4
million for this project.

"The newly renovated Circle of Eagles Lodge meets a critical need in the
community by providing supportive housing for Aboriginal men in
transition," said Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson. "The City of Vancouver
is proud to be a key partner in the project, working in collaboration with
other levels of government and Aboriginal community organizations to
address homelessness."

"For over 30 years, Lu'ma Native Housing Society has been providing
affordable housing options for low- to moderate-income Aboriginal people,"
said Claire Marshall, secretary of the board of Lu'ma Native Housing
Society. "This partnership opportunity with the Circle of Eagles Lodge
Society was a natural fit with our society's mandate, and we are grateful
for this opportunity that allows us to use our construction management
expertise to help the society throughout the renovation process."

Incorporated in 1980, Lu'ma Native Housing Society (LNHS) provides
affordable housing to Aboriginal families and individuals with low to
moderate income.

COELS will manage and operate the Circle of Eagles Lodge and will provide
24/7 onsite support services to tenants. Since 1970, the COELS has been
providing incarcerated people of native ancestry, native people on parole
or probation, or referrals from the courts with quality support services
with the goal of successful re-entry into a community setting for their
client group.

"The brothers that reside at the Circles of Eagles Lodge take much pride
and personal ownership of their newly renovated home," said Jerry Adams,
executive director of the Circle of Eagles Lodge Society. "The onsite
support services, which include home cooked meals, laundry, access to an
off-site sweat lodge, pre-employment and life skills training means these
men have the proper support as they re-establish themselves into the
community."

The Homelessness Partnering Strategy emphasizes longer-term supportive and
transitional housing by focusing on a housing-first approach to help
people make the transition out of the cycle of homelessness. The
Government of Canada is investing over $1.9 billion over five years, until
2014, for housing and homelessness programs.

For more information on the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, please
visit: www.hrsdc.gc.ca/homelessness

Over the last decade, the Province has invested $2.8 billion to provide
affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families in
communities throughout B.C.

To learn more about provincial housing programs and services, visit:
www.bchousing.org

A backgrounder follows.

Media Contacts:

Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819 994-5559

Vincent Chou
Communications Specialist
BC Housing
604 454-5444

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect

BACKGROUNDER
For Immediate Release
2011ENER0059-000849
July 11, 2011

Ministry of Energy and Mines
(Minister Responsible for Housing)
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada

Circle of Eagles Lodge

The newly renovated Circle of Eagles Lodge, located at 1470 E. Broadway in
Vancouver, provides 17 beds for supportive transitional housing for
aboriginal men coming out of correctional services.

The total capital cost of the renovations is approximately $4 million.

* Service Canada provided a $608,579 grant through the Homelessness
Partnering Strategy toward this project.
* Correctional Services Canada currently provides approximately $586,000
in annual operational funding for this project.
* The Province of British Columbia provided a $1.5 million grant funded
under the Aboriginal Housing Initiative.
* The City of Vancouver provided a $160,000 grant towards this project.
* The Lu'ma Native Housing Society will waive construction management fees
valued at approximately $280,000.
* The Circle of Eagles Lodge Society will finance over $1.4 million,
including approximately $700,000 in land equity.

Lu'ma Native Housing Society (LNHS)

LNHS has over 30 years experience in the provision of affordable housing
for Aboriginal families and individuals in need. In addition to this
commitment, the society also provides a wide range of services for
Aboriginals, such as acting as the community entity for the BC region to
distribute federal funding for Aboriginal homelessness projects; and own
and operate other community social enterprises including First Funds
Society, Lu'ma Native BCH Housing Society and Community Voice Mail.

Circle of Eagles Lodge Society (COELS)

For over 40 years, COELS has been providing incarcerated people of native
ancestry, native people on parole or probation, or referrals from the
courts with quality support services with the goal of facilitating a
successful re-entry into the community for their clients.