The Government of B.C. is partnering with the District of Squamish and Squamish Helping Hands Society to provide 49 new temporary homes for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in the community.
Located at Xwu’nekw Park on Loggers Lane between Victoria Street and Main Street, the development will consist of repurposed modular units that will be constructed by mid-May and will be in place until the end of October.
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 Helping Hands Society to develop the operating model.
The district is providing the land for this project.
The building will include self-contained bedrooms and shared washrooms. Residents will be provided with two meals a day, delivered to their rooms to support social distancing.
There will be at least two staff on site at all times who will offer supports to residents, such as access to addiction and mental-health referrals.
Priority for this new temporary housing will be given to people who are living in the Budget Inn, which is set to be redeveloped, and to people who are experiencing homelessness in Squamish, including those staying at the temporary shelter at the Howe Sound Secondary school’s gymnasium.
Once residents move into the temporary housing, the gym will no longer be used as a temporary shelter.
That is when Under One Roof, a new permanent shelter and housing project, is anticipated to open on Third Avenue.
Under One Roof will provide 45 new spaces, 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, District of Squamish.
“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.”
“We are incredibly grateful for the amazing work and leadership on this project that will offer critical support and service to our fellow citizens and our community, especially those more vulnerable to this virus,” said Maureen Mackell, executive director, Squamish Helping Hands. “This is a true example of what we can achieve when we come together as a community, so that everyone can be supported and protected, especially in the midst of the current health crisis.”
In addition to this new project, the Province has also secured a total of 18 rooms across two Squamish hotels that will be reserved for people who do not have a safe place to self-isolate during the pandemic.
Janet says
Myself and my two kids are moving to squamish would we be able to stay there while we are searching for another place
Rob says
You’re moving somewhere before you’ve find a place? I’d recommend being a little proactive by locking down some shelter before making the transition, and leaving these homes for those that actually need them.