The fast-growing West Shore needs more housing for at-risk youth, according the non-profit Threshold Housing Society.
“With the growth and projected growth, there are going to be a lot more families that struggle and youth that need help,” said executive director Mark Muldoon.
The non-profit organization operates group homes for youth in Victoria and facilitates transitional housing for youth in care.
A 2012 study by the West Shore Emergency Youth Task Force noted the overall growth rate for the Western Communities is 17.1 per cent, much higher than the overall capital region growth rate of 4.3 per cent.
“The lack of transitional housing for youth is already a problem there. It will only get worse,” Muldoon said.
In the report, Mitzi Dean of Pacific Family Services said as many as 20 youth in the area need emergency shelter each night.
Muldoon noted that already, youth living in Threshold homes in Victoria travel to the West Shore by bus each day to continue at the schools they are familiar with and to be in the community they know.
He said that Threshold is actively looking to open a home on the West Shore. It is a key objective in the 2013 strategic plan to open a home for 20 youth, aged 16 to 21.
They have a realtor looking for a multi-level home to rent or buy.
“Ideally, we need a house with a suite and multiple rooms. There are not that many in the areas we want,” said Muldoon, who noted a home close to bus routes and town centres in Langford or Colwood is ideal.
“Youth need to be able to get to school, to jobs, to the shopping malls.”
The other issue is funding. While Threshold Society does have some funds in place to secure a home, they need help for the annual $130,000 operating costs.
“While the Ministry of Children and Family Development recognizes the need and gives us moral support they did not give up any funding [to us],” Muldoon said. He’s hoping the public and private sector will step in with partnerships and even ideas.
The group is hosting an open house and fundraiser at the Church of Advent in Colwood on May 10. For more information, go to thresholdhousing.ca.
