The province has confirmed it purchased a former senior care home on Johnson St and will provide more than 140 additional housing units for people who are homeless in Victoria, including those camping on the courthouse lawn.
The Province purchased the building at 844 Johnson St. for $11.2 million and will convert it to long-term supportive housing to offer those in need a safe and secure place to stay.
Renovations to the building and within the units will begin immediately to prepare for occupancy. Some of the upgrades include replacing flooring throughout the building, painting, pest-control proofing and security upgrades.
Tenants will move into the building in late July when the renovations are complete.
PHS Community Services will operate the facility and, with the help of Island Health, will provide outreach and support services to clients.
The building was previously owned by the Baptist Housing Society and served as a senior care home until 2014.
According to the province, they have housed more than 190 people from the encampment at the courthouse since since October 2015. Twenty-two people have transitioned into permanent housing.
Conditions at the courthouse lawn are unsafe and the fire hazard danger is growing. The purchase of the Central Care Home will add enough spaces to ensure these individuals are moved into safe housing that includes on-site support staff.”
Quick facts from the B.C. Government:
- Last year, the Province invested nearly $32 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for more than 5,100 Victoria households.
- The Province and the Capital Regional District recently entered into an agreement totalling $60 million that will create new affordable housing projects for people in need throughout the region.
- Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $4.4 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families.
- This year, more than 104,000 B.C. households will benefit from
provincial social housing programs and services.
