Image: BC Housing/ New supportive housing project in Mission.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Supportive housing in the Fraser Valley

More supportive housing coming to the Fraser Valley, as B.C. govt. says security will be a top priority at sites

Aug 22, 2024 | 11:54 AM

MISSION — The B.C. government says more supportive housing is coming to the Fraser Valley to assist unhoused people and individuals living with complex mental-health and addiction challenges.

According to a news release Thursday (Aug. 22) from the province, two supportive housing sites containing 102 housing units are slated to open in Mission and Maple Ridge.

“We know the safest communities are those where all residents have their core needs met,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing. “There is an urgent need to support people to move indoors where they can start to rebuild their lives. These 102 homes are another step forward in our commitment to meet anyone experiencing homelessness where they are at and work with them on their path to stability.”

In Mission, the spaces at 7460 Hurd St., previously announced in 2021 by the provincial government, will replace the temporary units leased by BC Housing at the Diamond Head Motor Inn, which is set to close. The government says residents at the temporary shelter will be supported as they relocate into their new homes.

The three-storey building at 7460 Hurd St. features 50 studio homes, each with its own bathroom and mini kitchen. Of those 50 supportive homes, 12 include additional complex-care housing services for people with overlapping mental-health and addiction challenges, trauma or brain injuries.

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Mission Community Services Society (MCSS), an experienced non-profit housing provider, will oversee and maintain the building. The society will reportedly have staff on site 24/7 to provide residents with support services, including daily meals and life-skills training. Fraser Health, in partnership with MCSS, will provide enhanced supports on site through the complex-care housing program, including registered and licensed practical nurses and other health-care professionals, who will help create connections to treatment and other specialized services.

The government says security will be a top priority at both projects. Operator staff will be on site 24/7. There will be at least two staff on site overnight and typically additional staff during the day to manage the building and provide residents with services. There will be a phone number for the building available 24/7 for any building or resident related issues. The conceptual design of the building facilitates private and enclosed outdoor space for residents to gather, secure entry via fob access, and front desk for guests to check in. The operators will also have a guest policy and a program agreement, which sets the rules of the building and behaviour expectations from residents. Each resident will be required to sign this program agreement.

Residents are expected to begin moving into the new buildings in Mission and Maple Ridge in the coming months.

In Maple Ridge, the permanent housing at 11685 Fraser St., announced in 2021, will replace the aging temporary modular housing at 22548 Royal Cres., which is at the end of its lifespan and will be closed. Once cleared, 22548 Royal Cres. will be redeveloped into 98 units of permanent, affordable housing for seniors in partnership with New Vista Society and support from the Building BC: Community Housing Fund. Royal Crescent was opened in 2018 as an emergency solution to the unsafe encampment at Anita Place.