Architectural renderings were shown to approximately 50 members of the public and stakeholders at an information session on Monday, September 17, announcing the operation of provincially funded supportive modular housing in Powell River.
Located at the intersection of Joyce and Harvie avenues, 40 self-contained studio homes will be built with supports for people who face homelessness or who are homeless.
Unlike some other communities in the province, Powell River has an existing structure that enabled BC Housing to give Powell River Employment Program Society (PREP) and Life Cycle Housing Society the opportunity to partner in operating the facility.
Life Cycle will be involved in tenancy and policy, and take on management of the building and property. The organization currently manages 51 housing units in the community and brings proven experience in non-profit housing, according to treasurer Pat Christie.
PREP’s responsibility is general administration and staffing, as well as ensuring residents have the necessary support services.
“There’s going to be a kitchen program with some food skills training and there’s going to be food provided, two meals a day minimum,” said PREP executive director Stuart Clark. “There’s going to be employment counselling, life skills training services, and general support workers to cater to people's needs and try to connect with other agencies.”
A minimum of two staff members on-site 24 hours per day, seven days per week will ensure residents are supported.
Dozens of people in Powell River currently need a home, according to Clark.
“Our estimate right now is there’s about 40 people in high need, with 15 to 20 who probably have nowhere to live and another 20 to 25 we think are couch-surfing,” he said.
According to a statement from BC Housing, PREP and Life Cycle will collaborate with local service providers on ensuring an appropriate mix of residents.
“Appropriate mix of residents means there will be some people living in the building who require a high level of support services, and others who have stabilized and don’t need as much support,” said BC Housing senior communications specialist Laura Mathews.
High-needs residents include people with mental health and substance abuse issues.
Clark said there will be addiction counselling support on site and a safe environment for people who are using drugs.
“Right now we have a lot of people who are doing opiates, for example, that are using alone in places where there’s no supervision and no one checking on them, said Clark. “If there are people who are using we’re going to have some strict rules, mainly through Vancouver Coastal Health support.”
Christie said information from Powell River General Hospital indicates there are 25 to 40 people with mental-health issues and many of those residents are looking for housing.
“This is going to help with the vulnerable people.“ said Christie.
The property includes a 10-year lease with a possible option to renew from Powell River Regional Hospital District to BC Housing.
“It allows us to become a partner in this social planning issue from the vantage of mental-health care and stigma and enabling Vancouver Coastal Health to provide the necessary supports needed for vulnerable populations in our community,” said qathet Regional District chief administrative officer Al Radke. Taxpayers will not have to carry any of the cost, he added.
Christie said the plan is to start building in November and open in April 2019.
