Monday, March 18, 2024

New Indigenous supportive housing in Vic West to shelter 45 houseless people

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As the City of Victoria and BC continue to combat homelessness, one of three new supportive housing projects will open its doors to Indigenous Peoples who are sleeping rough. 

The House of Courage is the first of three projects that will support 135 houseless folks or those at risk of homelessness. It’s a four-storey modular housing building located at 865 Catherine Street in Vic West. 

This project’s focus is on Indigenous Peoples who are already houseless or at risk of being without shelter. It will be operated by the Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness Society (ACEHS).

The House of Courage will house 45 individuals who will receive around-the-clock on-site staff support which includes daily meals, employment and life-skills programming, health and wellness services and culturally informed supports.

“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home,” said Ahmed Hussen, federal Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion. 

“The opening of House of Courage signifies another critical step toward providing safe and affordable homes for all Canadians.” 

The province invested $5.7 million into the House of Courage with the Capital Regional District (CRD) providing $11.3 million they received got from the federal government’s Rapid Housing Initiative.

The Rapid Housing Initiative, the province and the CRD are equally responsible for opening two other supportive housing projects which will provide shelter and supports for the region’s most vulnerable people. 

One is in the 2900-block of Albina Street in Saanich which will house 52 folks who have to vacate other shelters that are closing down in Greater Victoria. The Albina Street housing will open as of April 1st and is being operated by Our Place Society. 

Here is a video tour of the Albina Street facility:

The other project is in Central Saanich at 7606 East Saanich Road. This project supports 39 homes with supports and is set to open in spring of 2023. 

All in all, these three housing projects will provide 135 homes for vulnerable folks sleeping rough or at risk of homelessness. 

“The need for supportive housing in Victoria has reached a critical level,” said Grace Lore, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill. 

“These 135 new modular homes will provide vulnerable members of our community with an affordable and safe place to call home, while accessing the support services that they need.”

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Curtis Blandy
curtis@victoriabuzz.com

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