A recent announcement by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has confirmed the laucch of a total of 50 shelter spaces for people experiencing homelessness in Port Alberni.
The modular housing project is operated by the Port Alberni Shelter Society, and will reportedly provide 24/7 support for all occupants.
See also:
- Over 150 homeless move into supportive housing in Nanaimo
- Over 120 affordable housing units for Indigenous families to be built in Colwood
- New 132-unit affordable housing development completed in Langford
“This project was made possible through the partnerships of BC Housing, Island Health, the City of Port Alberni and the Port Alberni Shelter Society,” says Wes Hewitt, executive director of the Port Alberni Shelter Society.
“The new building will go a long way in addressing the needs of the community, and through work with our other partners in the community, we look to make a difference in the lives of those we work with and the overall health of the community.”
Rent and services
The development called ‘Our Home’ is located at 3939 – 8th Ave and contains 30 apartment units with a bathroom and kitchenette each.
Residents will be charged $375/month per unit, which is the social assistance shelter allowance provided by the Province to people experiencing homelessness.
Additionally, five units have been reserved for the provision of 20 extra shelter spaces, and a multi-purpose wet-weather room is set aside for use during extreme weather in the winter months.
Staff on site will be available round the clock to provide services like meal programs, life and employment skills training, and health and wellness support.
The development of Our Home has been given provincial funding of $7.4 million, and will continue to receive an annual operating and support service subsidy.
Occupants can start moving as early as Monday, March 4th.
