The Ministry of Housing has announced the opening of new safe homes in Victoria for women and children escaping violence.
A completed development project was purchased by the Province through BC Housing and will provide nearly 20 homes.
The building includes seven second-stage spaces and 12 permanent affordable apartments for women, transgender women, Two-Spirit and non-binary people, and children leaving traumatic situations.
There are a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, an office space, and an amenity space.
“These new homes will provide vulnerable women and children in Victoria with a safe haven, surrounded by the supports and services that can help them rebuild their lives,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing.
“Our government understands we have a responsibility to help our most vulnerable people, and this purchase is the latest example of our commitment to provide a continuum of housing units and spaces for those in need.”
The building will be managed by The Cridge Centre for the Family, which will offer a variety of support to residents—this includes life skills training, crisis counseling, and poverty-reduction services.
“The availability of safe and affordable housing is essential in supporting women to leave dangerous abusive situations,” said Joanne Linka, manager of communication and fund development, The Cridge Centre for the Family.
“Without appropriate housing and supports, women have to choose between living in a violent situation and homelessness. No one should ever be forced to decide between being abused or being homeless.”
The inclusion of second-stage homes was an integral part of this system of support—ensuring women and children are provided with a safe, short-term housing option after leaving an abusive relationship or situation.
Second-stage housing is said to typically occur after a transition house and is used to prepare individuals for independent living in a permanent and affordable location.
“When women and their children are rebuilding their lives after violence, safe housing is essential,” said Grace Lore, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill.
“These new homes through the work of The Cridge Centre for the Family will be transformative for families in our community.”
Residents started moving into the homes in September and pay either 30% of their income for rent or, for those receiving income or disability assistance, the provincial shelter rate.
“A safe, affordable home will mean that women and gender-diverse people, and their children, who are rebuilding their lives after violence can begin the long process of healing,” said Kelli Paddon, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity.
“Thank you to all the partners who have come together to empower survivors with these new homes and a new future.”
The project is also a part of a $19-billion housing investment by the BC government.
According to a release, since 2017, the Province has delivered nearly 77,000 new homes that have been completed or are underway—which includes more than 3,000 in Victoria.
