VICTORIA, B.C. - Sonia Furstenau, Leader of the BC Greens and MLA for Cowichan Valley, is calling on Premier Eby and the Minister of Housing to immediately adopt a provincial strategy for transitional housing needs.
“We need to be meeting people where they are at, not where we want them to be,” said Furstenau. “If this government wants to genuinely help British Columbians take that transitional step in their journey to well being and independent living, then we need a solid housing plan. Clearing the streets - time and again - has accomplished nothing new because the reality is that there’s nowhere for vulnerable people to go that actually meets their needs.”
The Village project in Duncan is a successful example leading the way for transitional housing in B.C. Tiny home villages are being seen as a solution for communities across B.C.
“The Village provides short-term modular housing with wraparound support for the most vulnerable people. People get their own space to call home with a door that locks,” continued Furstenau. “They get mental, physical and spiritual support. They get healthcare, including harm reduction services. The Village project is proving to be successful.
“In the absence of a provincial strategy for transitional housing, communities have found their own solutions. Across the province, communities want to adapt the Village model in their own ways. But it hasn’t been easy - when they’ve asked this government and BC Housing for support, they are encountering resistance instead of support.
“I am calling on Premier Eby and the BC NDP to add the Village model to the continuum of transitional housing and expand it across the province.”
Media contact
JoJo Beattie
Press Secretary
B.C. Green Caucus
+1 250-882-6187 | [email protected]