A new temporary supportive housing building with 40 safe and secure homes will soon be available for people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness in Richmond.

Located at 2520-2640 Smith St., Bridgeport will be a three-storey modular building with 40 self-contained units, each with a private washroom and kitchenette. The building will also have a commercial kitchen, laundry facilities and storage space.

Bridgeport will replace Richmond’s temporary Emergency Response Centre, which has provided safe accommodation for vulnerable people during the COVID-19 pandemic and is set to close in summer 2022. The new building will operate for approximately three years until a permanent supportive housing building opens in the community.

BC Housing is selecting an experienced operator to manage the building. Once selected, the operator will provide residents with support services, including daily meals, life skills training, employment assistance and counselling, physical and mental-health resources, and access to addiction treatment and recovery services. The site will have around-the-clock staffing to provide support to residents.

The modular homes will be built off site and transported to the construction site for assembly. Residents are expected to move into Bridgeport in spring 2022.

Quotes:

Kelly Greene, MLA for Richmond-Steveston –

“These new temporary homes are a step toward achieving supply of safe supportive homes for people experiencing homelessness in Richmond. The community of Richmond is committed to ensuring there is a safe and secure home for everyone, so they can live a healthier and more stable life.”

Aman Singh, MLA for Richmond-Queensborough –

“The 40 new homes at Bridgeport will give residents the hope and foundation they need to move forward with their lives. Thank you to the City of Richmond for working with us to keep our community vibrant and strong.”

Henry Yao, MLA for Richmond South Centre –

“Communities are healthier when vulnerable people have the housing they need, with the benefits extending to neighbours, businesses and first responders. Our government is proud to work with municipal and community partners to provide a new start for people experiencing homelessness.”

Malcolm Brodie, mayor, City of Richmond –

“The Bridgeport project is an important step in addressing local affordable housing needs and will provide much-needed transitional accommodation for Richmond residents experiencing homelessness. The City of Richmond is committed to remaining a local leader and working with the Province, BC Housing and community organizations to make housing and services available for Richmond’s most vulnerable residents.”

Quick Facts:

• The Province, through BC Housing, is providing approximately $8.6 million through the Homelessness Action Plan for the project, as well as an annual operating subsidy of approximately $1.4 million.
• The City of Richmond is providing a $250,000 grant and the land for the project.

Learn More:

To learn more about the project, visit: https://letstalkhousingbc.ca/richmond-smith 

A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is available online: https://www.bchousing.org/homes-for-BC

To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for British Columbians, visit: https://workingforyou.gov.bc.ca/