48 new homes opening for people experiencing homelessness in Duncan

People experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Duncan and North Cowichan will soon have access to new supportive housing, with 48 units set to open later this month.

The BC governement announced the opening of the new building at 260 White Road in Duncan, which will provide homes for people of all genders aged 19 and older.

Residents are expected to begin moving in during the week of March 23rd.

The building will offer permanent supportive housing with on-site services aimed at helping residents maintain stable housing. Tenants will be selected through the Coordinated Access and Assessment process, which matches people to housing based on their needs.

Some residents currently staying at the temporary supportive housing site known as The Village at 610 Trunk Road are expected to move into the new building.

The project is owned by the Province through BC Housing. Each of the 48 homes is a self-contained studio unit with a private bathroom and kitchenette with a full-sized refrigerator, and will come fully furnished.

The building also includes shared amenities such as a dining room, common areas and office space.

Residents will pay the provincial shelter rate of $500 per month or 30% of their employment income.

The building will be operated by Connective, which will have staff on site 24 hours a day. Residents will have access to services including two meals a day, case management and health and wellness programs.

The Province provided approximately $25 million in construction funding through BC Housing, along with about $1.5 million in annual operating funding from the Building BC: Supportive Housing Fund.

The federal government contributed $2.4 million through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Affordable Housing Fund, and the Province also provided the land for the project.

According to the Province, the development is part of its $19-billion housing investment that has delivered or begun work on more than 95,000 homes across BC since 2017, including 465 homes in Duncan.

Local officials say the new housing will add to the range of housing options available in the community and provide additional support for people transitioning out of homelessness or temporary housing.