Silver Manor, the Quesnel Lions Housing Society’s (QLHS’) affordable housing development at McNaughton Avenue and Reid Street, has been accepting applications since June 13, and QLHS president Mitch Vik says he has heard some misconceptions buzzing around about the process.
“We want to give some additional information about our application process,” he tells the Observer.
Silver Manor has 30 affordable housing units, with rents of around $600 a month, not including utilities or fees for laundry and parking.
“Some units are a little higher, some a little lower,” says Vik. “For a brand-new building with leading-edge energy efficiency, a highly desirable location, with tremendous access to amenities and services, we believe the rental rate is very low and very affordable.”
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Vik points out that residents of Silver Manor will still be eligible for rent assistance through the Shelter Aid For Elderly Renters (SAFER) program if they currently qualify for the funding, so that could reduce the monthly rent even more.
And Vik says that, based on community feedback, the household income threshold for the Manor has been raised from $28,000 to $37,500, to allow more people to fit the criteria for the application.
“Applicants with lower incomes will still receive priority over those with higher incomes, but a higher income threshold allows seniors with moderate incomes a chance to come to Silver Manor,” says Vik.
Applications are being accepted at Dakelh & Quesnel Community Housing Society’s (DQCHS’) office at 100-744 Front Street. There is no deadline for application submissions, but some priority is given to applicants who apply early.
“The application is lengthy and unfortunately that can’t be changed,” says Vik. But the employees at QLHS’ operating partner Dakelh Society are willing to make visits to applicants’ homes to help fill out the forms, he says. Call 250-992-3306 to make an appointment for this service.
Applications for Silver Manor can be picked up at K-Max on Reid Street, at the DQCHS office, and are available online at www.qlionshousing.ca.
DQCHS will manage Silver Manor on behalf of QLHS. Silver Manor’s 30 units could be ready for tenants as early as late October 2018.
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editor@quesnelobserver.com
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