Swan River Homelessness Housing Initiative

CMHA Parkland Region ECHO Apartments

(Emergency Community Housing Opportunity)

 

 

Phase II ECHO Apartment Update:

 

  • ECHO Apartments is an affordable housing initiative by a local not-for-profit corporation (Canadian Mental Health Association, Swan Valley Branch, Inc. 1990).

 

  • Target population for this facility is any individuals with income of under $18,500 or households with income of under $24,500.

 

  • There will be 2 emergency shelter units, 8 studio apartments, 11 one-bedroom suites and 1 two-bedroom suites.  There will also be a housing office and a meeting room in the facility.  22 units in total.

 

  • The 2 emergency shelter units will be for short term use, up to two weeks (at $35/night), accessed by RCMP, Income Security and Community Mental Health.

 

  • There will be 9 transitional units targeted to those who need support in learning skills in finding, getting and keeping their housing (for up to one year or two years and then move on to community housing).  Better Living Techniques and Homekeeper’s program will be contracted.

 

  • The remaining 11 units will be affordable housing units for those who qualify (long-term housing).  Projected Rents: Studio - $350.  1BR - $400.  2BR - $500.

 

  • 50% of the residents will be targeted to Mental Health clientele, the other 50% open-ended.

 

  • The top floor of the facility will be wheelchair accessible with 2 fully accessible wheelchair units – 1 studio and 1-1 BR.

 

  • The building will cost $1.5 – 1.6 million upon completion.  Funding will be sought from Provincial, Federal and Community with a final sustainable mortgage from our local Credit Union as well as other possible grants Thomas Sill Foundation, Community Places and Manitoba Community Services Council and donations from our local contractors.

 

  • There will be a community housing committee put in place that will review tenant application to the facility.  Occupancy could be available by the end of October 2009.

 

  • There will be Support to Housing staff to monitor the Housing complex on a daily basis.

 

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Parkland Region