VICTORIA - The Province has purchased a property at 1176 Yates St. to provide more permanent supportive homes for people experiencing homelessness in Victoria.

"This project is the next step in our ongoing work to make sure vulnerable people in Victoria have a place to call home, with wraparound supports to help them build a better future," said Carole James, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill. "We know supportive housing makes a real difference for the residents and for communities, and we will continue to work with our partners to move people into the homes they deserve."

The proposed project would provide up to 40 safe and secure homes with wraparound supports. Pending municipal approvals, construction is expected to begin in December 2021.

"This is yet another contribution by the Province to help solve the housing challenges in the capital region," said Lisa Helps, mayor, City of Victoria. "We look forward to moving this development through the municipal approvals process as quickly as possible as our way to support the provincial government in the great work they're doing to provide supportive housing across our region. A special thank you goes to Minister Robinson, the team at BC Housing and the city staff who have worked with them to make these projects a reality."

As with all supportive housing, an experienced non-profit housing provider will be hired to manage the building. The housing will be comprised of self-contained studio homes. 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 B.C. government provided approximately $1.8 million through the Building BC: Supportive Housing Fund to purchase the property.
• There are approximately 480 new homes in development or already open for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in the Capital Regional District (CRD).
• More than 23,000 homes are complete or underway in communities throughout B.C., including over 3,500 homes in the CRD.

Learn More:

To learn more, visit: https://letstalkhousingbc.ca/victoria-1176-yates
Or send questions and feedback to: communityrelations@bchousing.org

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

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/

Two backgrounders follow.

Contacts:

Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Media Relations
778 584-1255

BC Housing
Media Relations
media@bchousing.org