Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / PML / Chilliwack-Kent MLA Kelli Paddon announced Tuesday morning (Dec. 13) that 22 housing spaces for those with complex-care needs, including mental health and substance use, will be coming to 45857 Trethewey Avenue, about one block west of Shandhar Hut on Young Road.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Complex-care housing

MLA Kelli Paddon announces 22 complex-care housing spaces coming to Chilliwack, south of downtown

Dec 13, 2022 | 10:53 AM

CHILLIWACK — Chilliwack-Kent MLA Kelli Paddon says the advent of 22 spaces for individuals with complex mental-health and substance-use challenges will fill a huge need within Chilliwack.

Paddon made the announcement Tuesday morning (Dec. 13) at the Chilliwack Primary Care Clinic, at 7955 Evans Road, in what she believes will be a game-changer.

“I’m very grateful to be here to share some fantastic news for our community on behalf of the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Jennifer Whiteside,” Paddon said in her opening remarks Tuesday morning. “We know that every person in British Columbia deserves a place to live, a place where they feel safe, and where they are supported. We know sometimes that people with mental-health and substance-use challenges can sometimes fall into the cracks. Complex-care housing connects people with the supports that they need, right in their homes, [and] in their communities so they can be close to their networks and people who care for them. I’m very excited that this will help break the cycle, that this will support people right where they are.”

The B.C. government said in a news release that it is investing $164 million over the next three years to provide complex-care housing to as many as 500 people throughout British Columbia.

“Every person in British Columbia deserves a home and somewhere they can feel safe and live with dignity,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “Complex-care housing services in Chilliwack will connect people with the supports they need to access care, maintain or find new housing, and help clients break out of the cycle of homelessness.”

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The complex-care housing spaces will be located at 45857 Trethewey Avenue, about one block west of Shandhar Hut on Young Road, and the previously announced four-storey building will have 49 units of supportive housing, with 22 spaces designated for complex-care housing. Additionally, 42 shelter beds will be available for people in the community.

Construction for the multi-use housing project is expected to be complete in fall 2023.

The complex-care housing site in Chilliwack will be delivered by Fraser Health, in partnership with BC Housing and the Phoenix Drug and Alcohol Recovery and Education Centre, which will operate the building. Complex-care clients will have access to enhanced supports on site, including nurses, peer workers, social workers and other health-care professionals, along with access to treatment and other specialized services.

“We are learning more every day about the needs and vulnerability of the clients we serve,” said Jacklyn Mcmaster, community health worker, Fraser Health. “Every day we feel a sense of pride because we are supporting clients to go through life-changing treatments, such as surgeries and any other needed health care, while sustaining their housing. We are strong advocates for the clients, and we are supporting them to get the help they need with dignity.”

Complex-care housing services are voluntary and will connect with people in their homes, helping them to stabilize and achieve their goals. People in complex-care housing will receive comprehensive, person-centred services to meet their needs. These services can include:

* medication management;

* psychosocial rehabilitation supports;

* Indigenous-specific services;

* recreational and leisure activities;

* life-skills support and skill development;

* peer-support workers; and

* addictions medicine.

“Phoenix Society welcomes the additional supports and services that complex-care housing will bring to residents,” said David MacIntyre, CEO, Phoenix Society. “Through complex-care housing, residents will receive the support they need to stabilize their housing and improve their health outcomes. Phoenix looks forward to helping residents on their journey and building better outcomes for both the individual and the community.”

The B.C. government launched complex-care housing in January 2022, with services announced in Abbotsford, Bella Coola, Chilliwack, Kamloops, Kelowna, Langley, Maple Ridge, Nanaimo, Powell River, the Northern Health region, Sunshine Coast, Surrey, Vancouver and Victoria. Since the launch, the province has announced services for 410 complex-care clients in communities throughout the province.

by Mike Vanden Bosch

MLA Kelli Paddon announces 22 complex-care housing spaces coming to Chilliwack, south of downtown

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