New safe spaces for women and children fleeing violence in Prince George and the surrounding area has marked another milestone.
In February 2019, B.C. MLA Mitzi Dean, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity, as well as the City of Prince George, BC Housing and Elizabeth Fry Housing Society announced a new housing development would be built in the northern capital.
On July 30, construction officially began at the development site on Irwin Street, which will include 18 transition house beds, 16 units of second-stage housing and 21 townhouses for permanent affordable housing for women and their children who are leaving violent relationships.
“It’s really exciting,” Mitzi Dean said in an interview with PrinceGeorgeMatters, with hopes that the project will be completed by the fall of 2021.
“I remember being in Prince George when we made the announcement, so it’s really exciting now to see it move on to the next stage and of course ultimately. [...] Those spaces that are safe spaces for women and quite often their children to sleep soundly at night as well."
"One of the things we hear about is that women from the smaller communities around Prince George are looking for that anonymity to be able to come into Prince George and find some safety and be able to rebuild their lives. We really need to be able to have those safe spaces immediately available when people reach out for help at that critical time.”
Funding is through the Building BC: Women's Transition Fund, which is a $734-million investment over10 years to build 1,500 transition housing, second-stage housing and long-term housing spaces for women and children fleeing from violence.
“I’ve worked in the sector for 30 years,” Dean added.
"I’ve worked here in British Columbia for 15 years, you know, I know that for 20 years there was no investment in transition houses and in services for women in particular that are facing violence at home and so this is the first of many projects our government has approved so I’m really excited to see it move forward."
.@MitziDeanBC here to make announcement in @CityofPG for new housing (transition homes) for women and children fleeing violence #cityofpg #bcgov @PGMatters pic.twitter.com/WeBpGh0xxz
— Jess Balzer (@jessicajbalzer) February 1, 2019
The Elizabeth Fry Housing Society will be in charge of the day-to-day operations and oversee a tenant selection process for housing.
The society has been serving women and children since 1979.
Amber House and Eagle's Nest are the current transition houses that provide first contact, women-centred services and referrals to resources within Prince George.
"All too often, women are faced with barriers such as poverty and homelessness in their journey to find their way to a safe life with their children," Kathi Heim, Executive Director for the Prince George and District Elizabeth Fry Society and Housing Society said at the Feb. 1, 2019 announcement.
"This provincial initiative will provide women and their children the full continuum of affordable housing supports where they can take the time to rebuild a safer life and future. We are proud to partner with the Government of B.C. and the City of Prince George to provide a stronger, more comprehensive response to the needs of women and their children leaving domestic violence and abuse."
Some proposed support services include helping women achieve goals and develop the necessary skills to live independently.
This may include:
- Individual and group counselling
- Resources to services such as employment readiness training
- Workshops about building healthy relationships, financial literacy, self-care and others
"On behalf of city council, I would like to offer my sincere thanks to the B.C. government for this important investment in the health and well-being of vulnerable women and children in Prince George," Mayor Lyn Hall explained at the project's unveiling.
"The city is pleased to be providing land at below-market value as part of this partnership as well as reduced development cost charges and other benefits. This is another great example of how different levels of government can collaborate and achieve great things for the benefit of residents. Council also wishes to acknowledge and thank the Elizabeth Fry Society for the critical role it plays in our community."
Other facts include:
- Safe homes provide safe, short-term shelter and supports, typically for 10 days, for women and children leaving violence in rural and remote communities
- Second-stage housing provides safe short-term housing and supports for women after they leave an abusive relationship or situation
- Women can stay for six to 18 months while they prepare for independent living
- The Building BC: Women's Transition Housing Fund was launched in Budget 2018 as part of the Province's 30-point housing plan
- The plan outlines the largest investment in affordable housing in B.C.'s history - more than $7 billion over 10 years
