What’s in a name?
With mere months to go until Surrey’s newest supportive housing facility opens its doors to help house and support those who are most vulnerable in our community, we are inviting the community to help us name this forthcoming project.
Located in Newton, at the corner of 80th Avenue and King George Boulevard, the project has quickly come together in the final week of January. This much-needed 40-bed facility will be operated by Phoenix Society and will help change the lives of dozens of those currently struggling in our community.
It’s expected to open later this spring.
“We hope the community can help us select a meaningful name for this important project,” said Keir Macdonald, CEO of Phoenix Society. “Through its name, Phoenix Society wishes to honour the history of Newton as we unveil a project that will help improve the quality of life for so many of our unhoused neighbours.”
“Newton is particularly in need of social infrastructure, such as this facility, to help advance the continuum of care for those experiencing homelessness,” Macdonald added. “This facility will provide many struggling with homelessness with the supports they need to change the trajectory of their lives.”
Do you have a name you’d like to suggest?
Submit your idea on any of Phoenix Society’s social media channels – or email [email protected] using the subject line ‘Newton Supportive Housing Project.’ If your suggestion is ultimately chosen, you’ll be recognized both online and on our website!
The Newton Supportive Housing Project is part of a commitment between the Province and the City of Surrey to deliver 250 permanent supportive modular homes in the community. In December, 38 new supportive homes opened at Peterson Place (13425 King George Blvd.), and construction on 61 supportive homes at 14706 104 Ave. in Surrey is also underway.
“These new homes are part of our ongoing work to make sure people have housing and the supports they need,” said David Eby, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing. “We will continue to work with the City of Surrey and community partners to move more people into places they can call home.”
Last December Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum said he is proud of the projects that have come together “particularly through this time of the pandemic, to deliver safe and secure housing for our city’s most vulnerable residents at a time when it is needed now more than ever.”
McCallum said all of these projects are being delivered with a “sense of urgency.”
“I thank all of our partners who have worked together to make these projects a reality,” the mayor added.
More details on the Newton project: letstalkhousingbc.ca/newton.
Quick Facts:
- The Province provided $11.3 million for Peterson Place as part of the Homelessness Action Plan and will provide annual operating funding of $732,000.
- For the project at 13620 80 Ave., the Province is providing $10.3 million as part of the Rapid Response to Homelessness program and will provide $1.2 million in annual operating funding.
Since 1989, Phoenix Society has grown from an idea, to its first recovery programs and is now a multi-faceted, integrated service provider that offers a variety of programs and support services, helping residents and program participants achieve positive outcomes in their lives.
A key purpose of the Surrey-based Society is to provide housing and support services for people at multiple entry points on the continuum; we develop community-based projects that meet people where they are at, helping participants exit the cycle of addiction and homelessness and are regarded as having amongst the best outcomes in British Columbia.
For media inquiries contact:
Amy Reid
Fund Development and Communications Manager
604-970-5170