More supports for women and children leaving violence in Prince George, with thanks to a transitional housing project set to accept guests by Fall of 2021.

Women and children leaving violence will soon have more safe places to regroup, recover and begin rebuilding their lives.

“We’ve started construction, and we are hoping that actually it’s going to be ready to take people who are looking for safety in the fall of next year,” said Mitzi Dean, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity.

The development will have 18 transition house beds, 16 units of second-stage housing and 21 townhouses for permanent affordable housing for women and their children who are leaving violent relationships.

“We have a clear responsibility to help women and children in need in Prince George and around the province. Our government is working hard to make sure that help is always available,” said Dean.

“These new homes in Prince George will assure women and children in violent situations that there are safe and supportive spaces they can turn to and begin the journey of rebuilding.”

The project will be funded through the Building BC: Women’s Transition Fund, a $734-million investment over 10 years to build 1,500 transition housing, second-stage housing and long-term housing spaces for women and children leaving violence.

This first step of the fund will build 280 new homes through 12 projects in communities throughout the province.

The society will manage the day-to-day operations and will oversee the tenant selection process for the housing.

Proposed support services include helping women achieve their goals and develop the necessary skills to live independently.

This may include individual and group counseling, resources, and referrals to services such as employment readiness training and workshops about building healthy relationships, financial literacy, self-care, and others.