White Road Supportive Housing Development Information
BC Housing and the City of Duncan want to share with you more information about the new, safe and stable homes we are creating for residents of Cowichan Valley. Located at 260 White Road, this new building will offer up to 50 permanent, purpose-built studio apartments to people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The housing will be operated by an experienced, nonprofit housing operator that will staff and manage the building 24/7 and provide building residents with support services, including medical health services, mental health and addictions services, food, laundry, and security. Supportive housing is an opportunity for people to leave the streets and shelter system for safe and stable housing, towards improved quality of life. All residents will sign a program agreement and would pay rent.
Who would live here?
People who experience homelessness are as varied as any other neighbour. They are seniors, people with disabilities, people who have employment but no housing, people who are working through mental health concerns and/or substance use. Residents will be low-income individuals over the age of 19 who live in the community, have a history of homelessness and who need additional support services to maintain housing. Priority would be given to Cowichan Valley residents who meet the eligibility criteria. BC Housing would lead the resident selection process with local service providers to ensure an appropriate mix. All supportive housing residents have made a choice to work towards living a healthy, stable life.
Why does Duncan need supportive housing?
There is currently no supportive housing in the Cowichan Valley. While the municipalities of Duncan and North Cowichan have worked with BC Housing and community service partners to provide temporary tenting sites for people experiencing homelessness in the community, all partners recognize the need for long-term, appropriate supportive housing options. The new homes will help people to transition to more stable housing by offering them supportive environments where they are treated with dignity and respect.
Process and Engagement
Recognizing that our most vulnerable citizens are facing distinct risks through the COVID-19 pandemic, an expedited approval process will ensure this housing is available months sooner. This means moving forward as efficiently as possible to create new healthy, safe and stable homes for those in need of housing. BC Housing is working closely with the City and adhering to all municipal codes and regulations.
We want to hear from you about how to support the success of supportive housing in the community. BC Housing, the City of Duncan and other partners will be engaging the community to explore ideas for how the community can support the success of this new housing.
Community Safety
We are committed to building a safe community both inside and outside the housing with:
Experience: BC Housing partners with housing operators that have extensive experience providing services and housing to people experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness across the region.
Staffing: Staff will be on-site 24/7 to support residents, manage building, and be available to respond directly to any related concerns that arise in a timely manner.
Resident Mix: Residents are selected through a thoughtful and thorough assessment process. Every resident is considered on an individual basis to ensure that the housing and services provided by the program match the supports they need.
Property Maintenance: Regular cleanups of property and immediate area would ensure cleanliness.
Design Features: Optimized lighting, security cameras, fob access only, staffed reception, contained outdoor space for smoking and dog walking.
Agreements: Residents would sign a program agreement connected to an individual case plan.
Community Advisory Committee: A Community Advisory Committee will be established and meet regularly to support the successful integration of the new building and residents with representation from BC Housing, City of Duncan, Vancouver Island Health, RCMP, community organizations and community members.
Next Step
BC Housing will hold Neighbourhood Dialogue Sessions to share information and discuss current conditions, news and updates.
These small group sessions will explore ways to build an inclusive community that supports the success of the new supportive housing and its residents.
How can I provide input and learn more?
Email: communityrelations@bchousing.org
Visit: letstalkhousingbc.ca/cowichan-valley-white-road
Write: BC Housing at: Community & Tenant Affairs, BC Housing, 1701-4555 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 4V8
Join the Neighbourhood Dialogue Sessions on August 11th and August 19th – Email communityrelations@bchousing.org to register.
Download Fact Sheets:
- City of Duncan – 260 White Road Supportive Housing Fact Sheet
- Community Benefits of Supportive Housing Fact Sheet
- Duncan Supportive Housing Fact Sheet
