Construction has started on a new four-storey building to provide a safe place for women and children escaping violence in the Nanaimo area.
The wood-frame building with 47 spaces to be operated by the Haven Society is expected to be completed by next fall.
The building will include 30 “second-stage” housing units, each with its own kitchen and bathroom. Second-stage housing is designed for stays of six to 18 months before people move to more permanent housing, and includes services to help women rebuild their independence, including support groups, system navigation and individual assistance.
Residents pay either 30 per cent of their income for rent or, for those receiving income or disability assistance, the provincial shelter rate.
Another 10 rooms, with 17 beds, will be built for women and children needing an immediate short-term place to stay after leaving an unsafe situation. There is no charge for transition housing.
The new facility will replace an existing older 17-unit transition home.
A communal kitchen, amenity room and larger programming areas are planned for the new building.
Daylene Jones, executive director of the Haven Society, said Nanaimo’s vacancy rate is just 2.2 per cent, which makes finding affordable housing for women and families leaving violence “incredibly difficult.”
“The addition of these second-stage units will help immensely in the transition from leaving abuse to finding long-term security and stability.”
Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog said the project is much-needed. “Haven Society will be better able to deliver their valuable services and supports with this new facility.”
B.C. Housing is providing $17.5 million through the Building BC: Women’s Transition Housing Fund for the land and construction of the building.
“Safe housing is fundamental for women,gender-diverse people,and their children who are reshaping their lives after experiencing violence or trauma,” Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon said Wednesday.
“These new safe spaces will be instrumental in providing safety, security and peace of mind for families across Nanaimo.”
