As part of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request made to the City of Victoria, Chek News acquired a document that was an early vision for how the service hub at 2155 Dowler Place could serve the unhoused community.
In the document, an early draft proposal for the service hub that was penned by Mayor Marianne Alto, 2155 Dowler Place was being pitched as a permanent daytime shelter that could potentially lighten the burden on Pandora Avenue’s service providers.
The idea was that some of the unhoused community could gravitate to an area other than the 900 block of Pandora Avenue and still have access to necessary services, which would be provided by SOLID Outreach.
That vision is a far cry from what was built and established at 2155 Dowler Place.
What was built is a transitional care site that provides wraparound services to its clients.
SOLID’s team at 2155 Dowler Place carefully select individuals who are goal-driven—they may be out of recovery and working towards getting away from drug use, or looking to find full-time employment.
A team of case workers works comprehensively with each individual that comes through and helps them meet their goals and secure stable housing.
Furthermore, there is no drug use on site and all clients sheltering at Dowler Place attend daily recovery-focussed meetings.
In a recent interview with Victoria Buzz, SOLID staff said that residents of the area did not even know the site was operational yet.
“People have come by multiple times, asking us when we’re opening because it’s so quiet,” said Tristen Gammie, Site Manager at SOLID’s Dowler Place facility.
“No one even knows we’re running. I think now the neighbourhood realizes there is no consumption here—this is a clean site—and there’s been a lot of good feedback.”
When the project was initially announced, Mayor Alto came under mass scrutiny from residents of the North Park neighbourhood due to lack of community consultation on the project moving into the area. People were scared of what may happen to the neighbourhood.
For this, Mayor Alto issued a statement and apology, following the release of the early draft of her vision for Dowler Place.
“I recognize that there has been confusion and frustration regarding the process that established the service hub at Dowler Place, and I acknowledge that residents haven’t had a full or accurate picture of the project,” said Mayor Alto.
“I apologize for that confusion, and acknowledge the frustration that many residents have expressed. While Council approved the Dowler project, as Mayor, I take responsibility for a process that could have been better, and will be better going forward.”
In her statement, Mayor Alto also pointed to the success that SOLID has had at 2155 Dowler Place.
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Thus far, the service hub has helped 75 people meet goals, move from treatment back to reality, find work and meet their individualized goals.
“It has been an example of what compassionate care can achieve, one person at a time. Without Dowler Place, 75 more people would be in shelters, in parks and on Pandora,” noted Alto.
“It is one example of how a local government can take action.”
Mayor Alto also pointed to the finances of Dowler Place, which has received large sums from the City in order to launch operations.
She noted that according to diverse sources, the average cost of supporting homelessness is around $75,000 per person.
The City’s $1.6 million investment in SOLID’s services at 2155 Dowler Place cost only around $21,000, and have gotten 75 people off the streets since they opened in January.
“I believe every family member would find that $21,000 if it would save the life of their son, daughter, brother, sister, parent, or loved one,” said Mayor Alto.
Victoria’s mayor concluded her statement by saying that the Dowler Place model has been one of success, but that won’t stop the City from exploring new options that could work in order to save lives and connect vulnerable individuals with the services they require.
To find out more about the work that goes on within the walls of 2155 Dowler Place, read this Victoria Buzz exclusive.
