The Province has committed $30,000 in project development funding to the Island Crisis Care Society (ICCS) for the creation of an affordable rental housing project, including a shelter.

The project will provide safe and affordable housing and shelter space for seniors, adults and youths who are homeless and those at risk of homelessness, thanks to a partnership between BC Housing and the ICCS.

Representatives from the City of Parksville, Regional District of Nanaimo and the Town of Qualicum Beach, along with Parksville-Qualicum MLA Michelle Stilwell, have been working with the ICCS, Forward House and the Society of Organized Services to address the need for supportive housing units and a permanent shelter space with support staff.

The Island Crisis Care Society is experienced in supporting individuals with mental and physical health issues, as well as substance-use issues. These individuals face complex challenges related to health, housing and poverty, and experience barriers in accessing existing health or social services.

BC Housing will work closely with the City of Parksville and Island Crisis Care Society to fully develop the project plans and ensure that appropriate rezoning, funding and consultation is considered and confirmed before construction. The project location will be determined soon.

Quotes:

Michelle Stilwell, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum –

“I’m proud to say three of our communities have come together to work in partnership to make this project a possibility and Island Crisis Care Society is leading the march to make it a reality. The Province recognizes the need for additional affordable housing and shelter spaces in Oceanside, and it’s something our communities have been asking for, and I look forward to supporting the commitment to invest in these new units here in Parksville.”

Violet Hayes, executive director, Island Crisis Care Society –

“We are thankful for this funding as it will allow us to work in partnership with BC Housing in order to provide access to safe and affordable housing and to meet some of the needs of the vulnerable in our community.”

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $4.9 billion to provide affordable housing for low income individuals, seniors and families.
• More than 104,000 B.C. households benefit from a diverse range of provincial housing programs and services.
• Last year, the B.C. government invested approximately $1.6 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for close to 400 households in Parksville.

Learn More:

For more information on affordable housing programs and the province’s efforts to end homelessness in B.C., please visit: www.housingmattersbc.ca/factsheets.html and www.bchousing.org

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