The newest supportive housing unit in Prince George has opened its doors and is in the process of finding residents.
The Ontario Street Complex-Care housing unit will help “as many as 10 people,” according to the province.
This is only the first of three phases for the project, however, ground has not broken on the second building site nearby and the timeline has not been set yet.
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Jennifer Whiteside was at the building this morning (Friday), she assured residents more will be coming in that second phase using part of the $174 million dollars budgeted provincially for more complex care facilities across BC.
She defined complex care as “an innovative approach to trying to interrupt homelessness.”
She said the building is for people who are at risk of becoming homeless, who have severe and acute needs that require additional supports, ranging from medication to behavior to transportation.
“We know housing is an important first step for many who face barriers in Prince George,” said Chris Kinch, senior director of northern and provincial initiatives, Connective Supportive Housing. “The additional supports under complex-care housing will complement Connective’s person-centred approach, providing individuals with housing while connecting them with other vital services in the community.”
Whiteside, and Penny Anguish, the Chief Operating Officer for Northern and Interior health, also said Prince George’s new sobering centre will be up and running by the end of the month.
Currently two people are already living in the unit.
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