The Province is responding to the urgent need for more housing on Haida Gwaii by creating 19 new homes with 24/7 support services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

“The extent of the challenge of homelessness can sometimes threaten to overshadow the fact that, at the heart of it all, are people with families and friends who are looking for a fresh start,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Each person who lives in these homes will get support to overcome the challenges that have kept permanent housing out of their reach, which will benefit every tenant and the whole region.”

The modular housing project is proposed to be located at 135 Oceanview Dr., a provincially owned property in the Village of Queen Charlotte.

Each home will include a private kitchen and bathroom. Residents will have access to shared amenity spaces, such as laundry facilities. This will provide residents with a stable living environment that will help them focus on their health and well-being.

The Queen Charlotte Heritage Housing Society will operate the building. The society will provide residents with a range of 24/7 support services including meal programs, life and employment skills training, and culturally appropriate programming.

The property is owned by the Ministry of Citizens’ Services, and will be transferred to BC Housing in June 2018, once due diligence is complete. Pending municipal approvals, the project is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2018.

“I’m thrilled the Ministry of Citizens' Services and BC Housing are transitioning a vacant, provincially owned property into a new development that will provide much-needed housing for people in Haida Gwaii,” said Jinny Sims, Minister of Citizens’ Services. “Individuals, families and the entire community benefit when government uses its real estate assets to support people’s health and well-being.”

To learn more, community members are invited to attend a council meeting on May 22, 2018, at the village office, 903A Oceanview Dr., for a presentation on the project. Meanwhile, questions or comments can be sent to: communityrelations@bchousing.org

Quotes:

Jennifer Rice, MLA, North Coast –

“Our government has been working hard to address major gaps in support for people experiencing homelessness. We're beginning to address homelessness by focusing on people living in crisis, and by ensuring that the first priority is having a roof over their heads.”

Greg Martin, mayor, Village of Queen Charlotte –

“My council and I are thrilled that BC Housing will be providing this affordable housing project in the Village of Queen Charlotte. This will improve the quality of life for our most-vulnerable residents, and be a valuable community asset for years to come. Special thanks to Minister Selina Robinson, and our MLA, Jen Rice, for their untiring efforts on our behalf.”

Barb Rowsell, executive director, Queen Charlotte Heritage Housing Society –

“The Queen Charlotte Heritage Housing Society is very excited about adding these new housing units to our list of affordable rentals. It fills a much-needed void by providing homes for our most-vulnerable people. We would like to thank everyone who is making this possible: the Village of Queen Charlotte, BC Housing, and right up to Housing Minister Selina Robinson.”

Quick Facts:

• The  homes will be funded through the Building BC Rapid Response to Homelessness program, part of a provincewide investment of $291 million to build 2,000 homes throughout B.C., and more than $170 million over three years for 24/7 staffing and support services.
• Since the fund was created in September 2017, more than 1,700 new homes for people most in need have started development in 19 communities throughout the province.
• Budget 2018 provides further supports for people experiencing homelessness, with the announcement of an additional 2,500 new homes with 24/7 support services.
• The Province will be working with people with lived experience, local governments and community partners to develop a Homelessness Action Plan, to reduce homelessness through permanent housing and services.

Learn More:

Read Homes for B.C., government’s 30-point plan to address housing affordability for British Columbians:
http://bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/2018/homesbc/2018_Homes_For_BC.pdf

To find out what the Province is doing to improve housing affordability, visit:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/bc-government-addressing-housing-affordability-challenges

A backgrounder follows.