Many of the people living in a new affordable rental-housing facility in Port Alberni moved there from tough conditions and have seen profound improvement in their lives, says the chair of the WestCoast Native Health Care Society.
“I’ve heard all sorts of stories,” said Derek Appleton. “Some of them almost bring a tear to your eye.”
Art Van Volsen, building manager for the Tsawaayuus Rainbow Gardens complex that includes the facility, said he was recently speaking with a resident who had previously been living in his vehicle.
The man had his left leg amputated below the knee and uses a wheelchair, Van Volsen said. Now that he’s housed, he’s working on getting a prosthetic limb.
“It’s all because he’s now sleeping in a bed instead of his car,” Van Volsen said.
Appleton said a community of tenants has formed in the new five-storey building on Russell Place, called Huupsitas — which means “side of a hill” in Nuu-chah-nulth — with “life-changing” results.
“A home and a wholesome connection to other human beings is conducive to well-being for everyone.”
The building contains 45 one-bedroom units and three two-bedroom units on land provided by the society.
B.C. Housing provided $5 million for the project and will supply about $300,000 annually in operating funding. Since much of it was built during the COVID pandemic and there was never a grand opening, an official announcement was made Thursday after its successful first year of operation.
Residents began moving in at the beginning of 2023 and there is already a waiting list of up to 40 people.
Rents for half the units are set at 30 per cent of a tenant’s income, while nine units are being rented to those with very low incomes — including people who receive income or disability assistance, or a basic senior’s pension.
The remaining units are at the low end of market rents, between $750 a month for a one-bedroom and $850 for a two-bedroom. Ten of the units are wheelchair-accessible and the others can be easily adapted if a tenant’s needs change.
Huupsitas, which serves both Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents, is part of a five-acre campus of care at Tsawaayuus Rainbow Gardens, which was already home to a 44-unit complex-care site and a 20-unit independent-living complex.
The campus started with a care facility that opened in 1992, followed by an assisted-living wing added in 2009 and more services in 2019.
Future expansion is possible, Appleton said.
In a statement, Port Alberni Mayor Sharie Minions expressed gratitude to the WestCoast Native Health Care Society, “who continue to do great work advocating for independent seniors and Indigenous elders in our community.”
Aboriginal Housing Management Association chief executive Margaret Pfoh said the development provides equitable access to “safe, affordable, culturally supported” living for Indigenous elders. “A place to call home is essential for the well-being of all Indigenous youth, families, elders and peoples.”
The province has provided close to 480 homes in Port Alberni since 2017.
