More supportive housing options for people experiencing homelessness is in the works for First Avenue in Prince George, on the same block as an approved 100-unit Integrated Health and Housing facility.
B.C. announced today (March 31) it's working with the city on a proposal to deliver an additional 50 safe and supportive homes.
“We are working with the city and community partners to make sure vulnerable people have access to safe and supportive homes," said David Eby, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing, in a news release.
"When people are housed, they can access things like health care and skills training to help rebuild their lives, and the benefit of that opportunity extends across the community."
The new homes are proposed for 855 1 Ave., the same block where plans are underway to build a project that will include 50 affordable rental homes, 50 supportive homes and on-site health-care services.
The projects at 805/855 1 Ave. (the previous location of NR Motors), the site was initially going to be designed to accommodate 100 units, but is now currently being designed to comprise 150 units to ensure the facilities can accommodate the needs of a city the size of Prince George.
The first project will involve 50 urgently-needed, purpose-built supportive homes for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, will include 24/7 support services such as meal programs, life and employment skills training, and health and wellness supports.
Construction of these 50 new supportive homes is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2021 and open early in 2022.
The second project will consist of two buildings that will provide up to 100 affordable, energy-efficient homes with supports and services to help people recover and stay healthy.
The concept includes ground-floor healthcare space in each building that would be accessible to both residents and the public. Northern Health, in partnership with other health service agencies, will be responsible for overseeing these spaces and providing primary care, harm reduction, and specialized mental health and substance-use services.
BC Housing would select an experienced non-profit service provider to manage the building with around-the-clock staff on-site to provide wrap-around supports, including meal programs, life skills training and health and wellness services.
In order to ensure the fastest possible delivery of the additional 50 new homes, the project would be built using modular construction. Each unit would also have its own washroom and kitchenette.
"Council is grateful to the Province, BC Housing and Northern Health for their ongoing partnership with the City of Prince George," said Prince George’s Mayor Lyn Hall.
"The commitment of an additional 50 units of modular housing will further enhance our collective efforts to ensure vulnerable residents with complex needs are able to access supported housing and critical health-care services. The First Avenue project is the result of much hard work and collaboration and we look forward to seeing it develop and benefit our residents."
A development permit application has been submitted to the city and the rezoning process has already been completed.
If approved, construction of the 50-unit project is anticipated to begin in spring 2021.
