SQUAMISH, B.C. — The Government of B.C. has announced a partnership with the District of Squamish and the Squamish Helping Hands Society to build 49 new temporary homes for people experiencing or who are at risk of homelessness in the community.
“The need for safe, secure housing has never been more important,” said Selina Robinson, minister of municipal affairs and housing, in a press release. “This partnership with the District of Squamish and Helping Hands Society will make sure people in need have a safe place to call their own during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.”
Situated at Xwu’nekw Park on Loggers Lane between Victoria Street and Main Street, the development will feature repurposed modular units that can be rapidly constructed in weeks. The building will include self-contained bedrooms and shared washrooms. Residents will receive two meals a day, delivered to their rooms to maintain social distance guidelines from the provincial health officer. The modular units will always have at least two staff onsite to offer supports to residents, such as access to addiction and mental-health referrals.
The temporary housing is expected to open by mid-May and will be in used until the end of October when Under One Roof, a new permanent shelter and housing project, is expected to be open on Third Avenue. Under One Roof will provide 45 new units, including 15 units of low-barrier dormitory housing, 15 units of transitional housing and 15 affordable homes.
“In the face of this global pandemic, we must ensure that everyone in our community can safely distance themselves from others in order to protect themselves and the broader community, and help stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Karen Elliott, mayor of the District of Squamish, in the release. “I am very grateful for the quick action of everyone involved to make this project happen. This project will ensure that there are no barriers for residents to access shelter and space to physically distance during COVID-19.”
Those living in the district’s Budget Inn, which is being redeveloped, will be given first access to the temporary housing. The area’s homeless population, including those staying at the temporary shelter at the Howe Sound Secondary school’s gymnasium, will also be at the front of the line for the facility.
Once residents move into the temporary housing, the gym will no longer be used as a temporary shelter.
The province is providing approximately $325,000 to lease the modular units from LandSea, as well as operating funding of more than $152,000. BC Housing will work with the Helping Hands Society to develop the operating model. The district is providing the land for the project.
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