Rapid Cost Effective Supported Housing for People who are Homeless

It might sound too good to be true but at least 43 people who are homeless today could have new, comfortable, secure homes within six months. Frank Lo of M C Quarters Corporation says “We can construct, deliver and assemble high quality and exceptionally durable modular homes and build a community with supports within a tight time line.”

This fast tracked solution for homelessness could significantly cut into the average $55,000 of health, social and civil services that a person who is homeless might currently consume each year. Some chronically homeless people may use a revolving door of services that brings little tangible improvement in their quality of life which over ten years may cost $500,000 in tax funded services.

Too often effective solutions for homelessness are in the distant future; but safe, decent and affordable housing can be provided in a turn key operation in less than six months with MC Quarters Corporation’s plan. Immediately people’s lives can be improved as they move off the street, out of Shelters, or from dilapidated Single Room Hotels that lack separate bathrooms and cooking facilities.

The pilot community design proposed to be built by M C Quarters Corporation has 43 individual units, which are pre-fabricated. Each well insulated and fire resistant unit is about 163 square feet, over 8 feet in ceiling height, equipped with furniture, heat, water, an ensuite private washroom with shower, and a kitchenette with sink and closet. The units can also be combined to provide barrier-free accessible accommodation options. Common facilities include a lounge with kitchenette, a common storage area and a laundry room will help to build a sense of community among the occupants while an office for a Housing Support Worker and a reception area provide support services in close proximity.

“There are several advantages to this form of housing.  The first is speed – these units can be open before Christmas!  The second is cost – it’s roughly half the cost of regular construction.  Third, they are fully self-contained – washroom, kitchen, sleeping area.  Fourth, they are very durable.” says Darrell Burnham, Executive Director, Coast Mental Health.

Plans and renderings of the whole facility are on display at the Vancouver City Hall 3^rd Floor Lobby during the week of June 15^th, 2009.

Everyone needs a home and this rapid response to the burgeoning homeless crisis is one of the solutions. All that is needed is the partnership of people dedicated to ending homelessness; providing land, financing and support to make this dream a reality.

###

For more information,

Contact: Mr. Frank Lo, MC Quarters Corporation
Phone: 604-688-3112
Email: franklo@mcquarters.ca