The federal government has kicked in $11.3 million to help establish a 45-unit affordable-housing complex for Indigenous people in Vic West.
When built, the project at 865 Catherine St., first announced in the spring when B.C. Housing purchased the site, will be run by the Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness Society and support Indigenous people in the region who are experiencing homelessness.
The modular housing project, expected to be complete in the spring, will provide residents with 24/7 culturally appropriate supports.
“Our approach is to provide more than a physical home. Through our dual model of housing care, we will provide teachings deeply rooted in the land, and will provide pathways to healing and recovery,” said Fran Hunt-Jinnouchi, the society’s director of housing.
Coreen Child, executive director of the society, said Friday she was “shaking with excitement” at the announcement of federal funding.
Child said the project will allow the society to provide housing, support and harm-reduction services to an over-represented portion of the homeless population — Indigenous people make up an estimated 36 per cent of those who are homeless in Victoria. And it won’t just be a home, but a place for Indigenous practices and culture, she said.
The federal funding comes from the rapid housing initiative, a $1-billion program designed to address urgent housing needs of the most vulnerable through rapid construction of affordable housing — funding is partially based on projects being completed within 12 months.
“This is one of the ways our National Housing Strategy continues to ensure no one is left behind,” said Housing Minister Ahmed Hussen.
Hussen also noted the project will mean good-paying jobs that will help stimulate the local economy.
The housing complex is also partially funded by the province, which provided $5.7 million through its supportive housing fund, along with annual operating subsidies.
Grace Lore, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill, said this kind of project changes lives. “Soon more Indigenous people in our community will have a safe and secure place to live surrounded by Indigenous culture and culturally safe support,” she said.
In March, the province announced it was fast-tracking four new supportive housing projects, including Catherine Street, in Victoria for people without homes. It bypassed public hearings and council approvals to allow construction to start as early as the summer.
B.C. Housing paid $2.35 million for the Catherine Street site.
Demolition of a small commercial building on the site is complete and site preparation is set to begin soon. It is expected the modular homes will start to appear on the property in January.
aduffy@timescolonist.com
