At-risk women and their children fleeing abuse now have access to a new safe and supportive place to live during difficult times, with the opening of a four-unit second-stage housing project in Courtenay.

Following the September 2016 announcement of a $500-million investment in affordable rental housing, the B.C. government selected the Comox Valley Transition Society to receive $600,000 in capital funding toward the project.

Second-stage housing provides safe housing and supports for women after they leave an abusive relationship. Women can stay for six to 18 months while they prepare for independent living.

Quotes:

Don McRae, MLA for Comox Valley –

“If you are experiencing domestic violence, the least of your worries should be having a safe place to stay. By partnering with the Comox Valley Transition Society, we are providing housing, hope and the means to have a fresh start for women fleeing violence.”

Heather Ney, executive director, Comox Valley Transition Society –

“The Comox Valley Transition Society is pleased to have received funding from BC Housing for our fourplex project. We are also grateful to the CVRD and Town of Comox, through the CV Coalition to End Homelessness, for their contribution to the project and developer Peter Croonen for his support.

“CVTS looks forward to working with BC Housing, local government and private developers in the future to increase the stock of affordable safe housing for women and their children who are fleeing violence.”

Quick Facts:

• The B.C. government provides approximately $32 million annually to support more than 830 spaces in transition and safe houses, as well as second-stage housing through the Women’s Transition House and Supports Program.
• Last year, more than 12,300 women and children fleeing violence were assisted by provincially funded transition houses, second-stage housing and safe homes.
• Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $4.9 billion to provide affordable housing for low income individuals, seniors and families.
• Last year, the Province invested more than $4.7 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for over 870 households in Courtenay.

Learn More:

To learn more about the Province's actions on housing affordability, visit: http://housingaffordability.gov.bc.ca/