Learn About Supportive and Modular Housing
What is Supportive Housing?
Supportive housing is for British Columbians experiencing or at risk of homelessness. People experiencing homelessness have varying health and personal challenges and needs, and non-profit housing operators tailor their response to clients to help them maintain their housing.
Supports include a range of on-site, non-clinical supports, such as life-skills training, and connections to primary health care, mental health or substance use services.
What is modular housing?
While supportive housing assists people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and creates successful tenancies and healthier communities, modular housing is a way of building the units quickly and cost effectively.
Here is where you come in - we want to hear from you:
- Get informed by learning about modular housing
- Tell us your stories
- Join the conversation
- Ask your questions here
- FInd your city in the menu above for details about supportive housing in your community
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New housing in Penticton will also support local economy
PENTICTON –The Province has identified a location and operator for modular housing in Penticton that will be built by a local manufacturer, helping those most in need and strengthening the local economy.“We’re acting to provide a rapid solution to homelessness in the community, but we’re also thrilled that part of the solution here in Penticton involves a local company,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “When we work together and build multi-lateral partnerships between the Province, the city and local business we ensure that the needs of those experiencing homelessness and the whole community are addressed.”The proposed location for the facility is on the property at the Skaha Sunrise Motel on Skaha Lake Road at Green Avenue, which is provincially owned land. The new homes will be built by Penticton’s own Metric Modular, which will support the growth of the region’s economy. The housing will feature 52 new homes with 24/7 support services.“We are very grateful for the Province and BC Housing for providing housing for some our most vulnerable," says Andrew Jakubeit, Mayor of the City of Penticton , "to provide basic shelter and hopefully initiate the process to regain some dignity and help towards contributing to a healthier community.”
ASK Wellness has been selected to operate the building, which is anticipated to be complete by December 2018. Each home will include a private bathroom and kitchen and there will be a shared amenity space for programming and laundry facilities.“We are honoured and privileged to work with the City of Penticton, BC Housing, and local stakeholders to help develop and operate the proposed 52-unit modular housing facility," says Bob Hughes, Executive Director for ASK Wellness, "Our experience and success housing and supporting individuals with histories of homelessness throughout the region provides us the confidence that we can make a difference in the community of Penticton. We believe this housing facility and the supports provided onsite will help transform the lives of the residents allowing them to regain their dignity and sense of hope.”
Residents will also have access to support services such as meal programs, life and employment skills training, and health and wellness supports.Neighbouring residents and businesses will have the opportunity to learn more about the project through an open house that will be scheduled in April. BC Housing is committed to following the municipal process to ensure the location is appropriately zoned for the project.
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Women's supportive housing proposed for New Westminster
NEW WESTMINSTER – Women in New Westminster experiencing homelessness will have new modular housing with 24/7 support services, to help them transition toward permanent housing, as a result of a partnership between the Province and the city.
“Our government recognizes the needs of women living without shelter or supports throughout the Lower Mainland and the province, and we’re taking action to build the homes they need,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “I believe these homes in New Westminster can be the catalyst for change for women experiencing homelessness in the community, and I want to thank the City of New Westminster for working with us.”
The Province has allocated approximately $6.5 million to build 41 new homes, which will be located at 838 Ewen Ave. in New Westminster. BC Housing will select an experienced nonprofit partner to operate the housing and oversee property management, operations management and tenant selection.
“It’s vitally important that we invest the time and effort to help the women in our communities who are living on the streets at great risk to their personal safety,” said Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “Through my work in the New Westminster community, I am acutely aware of the challenges these women face, and I am so grateful that this project can begin to meet their needs.”
The modular homes will be self-contained and include a private bathroom and kitchen. The building will also include a shared amenity space. Tenants will be provided with 24/7 support services, which includes meal programs, life-skills training and health and wellness supports to help them overcome challenges to maintaining their housing.
“This project demonstrates the city’s commitment to being a leader and an active partner in seeking solutions for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness,” said New Westminster Mayor Jonathan X. Coté. “It will provide secure housing in a neighbourhood setting and afford opportunities for residents to get involved in and make a contribution to community life.”The first open house will be held in the coming weeks, providing an opportunity for the community to learn more about the project and provide feedback that will inform project decisions. The City of New Westminster has initiated a process to review the land-use requirements for the proposed project, which is subject to development approvals.
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New housing for Indigenous women facing homelessness
VICTORIA – The Government of British Columbiais partnering with the City of Victoria, Atira Women’s Resource Society and the Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness, to build new modular housing for Indigenous women, with 24/7 support services.
“Having access to a safe, stable place to call home is crucial for anyone who is experiencing, or is at risk of, homelessness,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Indigenous people are over-represented amongst the homeless population. And homeless women, especially those who are Indigenous, can face tremendous risks. That’s why I’m really pleased to see this project moving ahead.”
Once operational, each of the 21 homes will include a bathroom and kitchen. Residents will also benefit from:
- 24/7 on-site staff support, including daily meal services, employment training, and culturally specific and life-skills programming;
- Health and wellness services, including mental-health and addictions treatment;
- A shared amenity space and access to laundry facilities; and
- Custodial and maintenance services.
“Indigenous women are the strength of their communities, families and culture, but for too long they have also been victims of violence, homelessness and poverty,” said Scott Fraser, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. “By providing a safe, secure home and culturally appropriate support services, as we are with these new supportive homes in Victoria, we are sending the signal that government and its Indigenous partners are here to help Indigenous women in the spirit of reconciliation, and ultimately, in respect for their culture, history and traditions.”
“The need for housing in Victoria has reached a critical level,” said Rob Fleming, MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake. “These new modular homes will provide Indigenous women in need with an affordable and safe place to call home, while accessing the support services that they need to reach their potential.”
Neighbouring residents and businesses will have an opportunity to learn more about the project at an open house. Open house details will be announced in the coming weeks.
The temporary housing will be operational for approximately five years, and will be on the 800 block of Hillside Avenue, as part of the Evergreen Terrace complex.
“Indigenous women are more likely than other women in Canada to experience both violence and homelessness,” said Lisa Helps, mayor of the City of Victoria. “This housing at Evergreen Terrace provides the opportunity to interrupt those trends, and bring culturally responsive, safe, and affordable stability to the lives of Indigenous women in Victoria, while building community.”
We are thrilled to be involved in this critically important project that we believe will help address the root causes of homelessness for Indigenous women, which are the loss of children and connection to culture and land,” said Janice Abbott, CEO, Atira Women’s Resource Society. “In addition to providing the immediate safety and security of stable housing, we will work with the Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness and the female tenants to help rebuild those connections. We truly believe that if we can find a way to support women in parenting their children and provide children with the opportunity to be raised in their families, we can help eliminate homelessness and violence against Indigenous women.”
Pending municipal approvals, construction is anticipated to begin in fall 2018, and will be complete by March 2019.
"The Aboriginal Coalition currently supports Indigenous women through a program called the Indigenous Women's Circle, geared towards strengthening Indigenous self-identity, providing life skills and food security and building a sense of family and community. We are very pleased that through the modular housing project, we can now also offer a safe space for the women to call home,” said Fran Hunt-Jinnouchi, executive director, Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness. “The women we support face multiple barriers, are often caught up in the chaos of domestic violence, and are at high risk. Culturally supportive housing has the potential to transform lives. I am optimistic and excited about the possibilities."
Once the facility is operational, a 24/7 contact line will be available to answer questions and address neighbourhood concerns. In the meantime, questions and comments can be submitted to: communityrelations@bchousing.org
