Modular homes for the homeless will be erected in Powell River.
In partnership with Building BC: Rapid Response to Homelessness program, 40 units will be located south of Kiwanis Avenue on property owned by Powell River Regional Hospital District on a five-year lease, according to City of Powell River councillor Maggie Hathaway.
“They're about 350 square feet and they have a bed, bathroom and small kitchen/cooking area,” said Hathaway, “but the really great thing is it comes along with staff support 24/7. It's transitional housing so people need those kind of supports.”
Powell River is one of 22 BC communities to receive provincial funding and just came in under the wire as the last municipality selected for the program.
“It's a great opportunity for people trying to get back on their feet and don't have housing; it's pretty hard to look for a job when you don't have a place to live,” said Hathaway. “They'll have this opportunity to get the hand up they need to get back into having a productive life.”
Technology and construction of modular units provides for a range of buildings that fit the housing and support needs of the communities they are in, according to a statement released by BC Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing on July 26. Modular units will be built in Kelowna, Penticton, Cumberland, Westbank and Kamloops.
The Powell River units will not be manufactured in Powell River .
The project is not a huge economic driver, it's a social problem solution, according to Hathaway.
City of Powell River Mayor Dave Formosa said the city has been working on the partnership for several months.
“The need to help the hard to house and the vulnerable segment of our city's population is of absolute importance to city council and all our citizens,” said Formosa.
Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons said the government program is meant to include community advocates and those directly impacted by homelessness.
"Providing these supportive homes will make a huge difference in the lives of people who are struggling to find and maintain stable housing on the Sunshine Coast," said Simons.
Many details of the project are not known, including architectural plans, when construction will begin, when the units will be ready for occupancy and what the application process will be for potential occupants.
“I have so many plans for it and I'm so excited about it,” said Hathaway, who has long been a housing advocate in Powell River. “I just can't wait to get working on it. I'm glad it's finally announced; I'm just thrilled.”
