Dozens of new supportive housing units will be built in North Cowichan and Duncan this year to address homelessness and poverty in that region.
In an announcement on Thursday, the provincial government stated that North Cowichan and Duncan will receive around 50 new units of supportive housing each, with construction slated to begin this fall.
BC Housing has purchased a site at 2983 Drinkwater Rd in North Cowichan and 260 White Rd in Duncan. Two buildings will be constructed at these sites, and will contain wraparound supports for tenants.
“We have seen successful outcomes for homeless people from the temporary housing plan with wraparound services the Cowichan Housing Association and other organizations put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Sonia Furstenau, MLA for Cowichan Valley, in a statement.
“It works because all the pieces are working together: housing, security, food, mental health support. Permanent housing for people in Cowichan will build on these first steps toward dignity and independence for all citizens.”
Each project will have up to 50 self-contained studio units and residents will receive 24/7 on-site staff and support services, including meal programs, life and employment skills training, health and wellness support services, and opportunities for volunteer work.
The North Cowichan site was purchased for $976,185 while land for the Duncan site cost $663,730, for a total of $1,639,915 made available through the province’s Supportive Housing Fund.
In North Cowichan, the housing facility will be managed by Lookout Housing & Health Society and is expected to be ready by late 2020.
The Duncan units will be completed in early 2021.
