Non-profits in Burnaby and New Westminster are among 49 set to receive provincial funding for capital projects.
The Multi-lingual Orientation Service Association for Immigrant Communities (MOSAIC) is getting a $250,000 boost to enhance and expand services by creating a new multi-service centre next to one of its current offices.
The project will include a full renovation and construction of the 4,300 sq-ft. office space.
"Burnaby is one of the most diverse municipalities in our province that's close to 60 per cent of residents being immigrants, especially Burnaby-Edmonds....has one of the highest concentrations of immigrant and refugee households," MOSAIC CEO Olga Stachova said at a news conference today (Feb. 17).
"That is why it's so important that accessible, physical service locations with a wide range of social and community supports are available right in this area.
"Everything is getting more expensive," Stachova added.
"We all see costs, the rising cost of rent, the cost of construction, material costs of infrastructure and not-for-profits find it increasingly more challenging to be able to afford to operate physical service locations and municipalities, especially close to transit and transit helps. So it's amazing to have this location right here, a multi-service location that will be supporting immigrants or refugees of all ages through a wide range of services."
Meanwhile, Westminster House Society received $184,027 to construct a new admissions office to replace its existing office.
The organization also hopes to provide better triage services to the vulnerable populations that it serves.
The project includes a private counselling office and food storage for the dining hall.
"We love our communities! This capital project funding supports not-for-profit organizations that work to create vibrant and healthy communities," Burnaby-Deer Lake MLA Anne Kang said in a news release, also B.C.'s minister of municipal affairs.
"Through Community Gaming Grants, we help ensure not-for-profit organizations can continue to provide the vital services people in the province depend on."
