The Province, through BC Housing, has purchased property in Victoria to build up to 50 new permanent homes with around-the-clock supports for people in the community experiencing homelessness.
“Everyone deserves a good, safe place to call home, and the need for new supportive housing in Victoria is clear,” said Carole James, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill. “This housing with wraparound supports will make a real difference for people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, giving them a place of their own where they can stabilize and rebuild their lives.”
BC Housing is developing a proposal to combine the two lots at 1053 and 1075 Meares St. and build a permanent supportive housing building. Once a proposal is in place in early 2021, BC Housing will engage with the community to share more information about the project. In addition, BC Housing will set up a new community advisory committee that will oversee the supportive housing’s integration within the community. The committee will address any concerns raised by people in the neighbourhood.
“We are grateful to the Province for this important investment in supportive housing in Victoria,” said Lisa Helps, mayor, City of Victoria. “We know from experience that these new, purpose-built buildings fit well into existing neighbourhoods and create safe, secure places for people to live in our city and in communities throughout the capital region.”
An experienced non-profit housing partner will be selected to manage the proposed building once the proposal has been approved. Residents will be provided with 24/7 on-site staff and support services, including meal programs, life and employment skills training, and health and wellness support services.
Delivering affordable housing is a shared priority between government and the BC Green Party caucus and is part of the Confidence and Supply Agreement.
Quick Facts:
- The Province has invested approximately $3.2 million through the Supportive Housing Fund to purchase the sites.
- Including these proposed homes, there are more than 200 new supportive homes in development or already open in Victoria.
- More than 23,000 homes are completed or underway in communities throughout B.C., including over 3,400 homes in the Capital Regional District.
Learn More:
To learn more about the project, ask questions and provide input, visit: https://letstalkhousingbc.ca/victoria-meares
For more information on how BC Housing is supporting British Columbians during the COVID-19 outbreak, visit: https://www.bchousing.org/COVID-19/
A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is online: https://www.bchousing.org/homes-for-BC
Two backgrounders follow.