THE British Columbia government is building 280 new homes to provide safe places to stay for women and children fleeing violence, the first major investment in transition housing in more than two decades.
These homes will be delivered in 12 projects around the province. They are the first step in the government’s new Building BC: Women’s Transition Housing Fund, a $734-million investment over 10 years to build 1,500 transition housing, second-stage housing and affordable housing spaces for women and children fleeing violence.
“In a province that puts people first, we need to make sure women and children can find safety when they need it most,” said Premier John Horgan on Thursday (October 25). “These homes will allow women and children to heal with the supports and services they need, as they begin the process of rebuilding their lives.”
“These first projects will make a tremendous impact in the lives of women and children who need our help,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “For too long, a lack of investment has meant women and children looking for help at a desperate time have found themselves with nowhere to turn. This cannot continue. These homes are just the beginning of those to come over the next 10 years, as we work with non-profit partners to ensure more women and children have safe places to regroup, rebuild and reclaim their lives.”
The housing will be operated by non-profit providers that specialize in housing and supports for women and children who are experiencing or at risk of violence. The new housing will include funding for a range of services, including emotional support and safety planning. Projects will also include new affordable rental housing for women and children ready to move on to more permanent homes.
The Province, through BC Housing, selects projects based on community need, with the goal of getting work underway on 500 housing units within the next three years and 1,500 over the next decade.
Joanne Baker, executive director, BC Society of Transition Houses, said: “Fleeing violence often results in poverty and homelessness for women and their children if they can’t access safe, secure housing. The reality or risk of homelessness frequently results in women returning to violence. The investment in affordable housing through the Women’s Transition Housing Fund that is dedicated to women and children escaping violence is crucial.”
Makenna Rielly, executive director, Victoria Women’s Transition House Society. said: “We are very excited by this new opportunity to provide second-stage housing for women and children leaving violent and abusive situations. This project will provide critically needed housing and supports to the families we serve, and we are sincerely thankful to all those who have made it possible, including the Province of British Columbia, BC Housing, the City of Langford, Victoria Women’s Transition House board of directors, staff and volunteers. We are deeply grateful to be able to provide much-needed services in collaboration with the West Shore community, and we are honoured to be a part of an initiative that is responding to the needs of women and children in our region.”
Mitzi Dean, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity, said: “Everyone has the right to feel safe in their home and their community — yet women, and transgender and gender diverse people continue to face sexism and violence in their everyday life. Ensuring survivors have a safe place to go to rebuild their lives is an essential first step to creating safer, more supportive communities and ending gender-based violence.”
Quick Facts:
- The BC Society of Transition Houses has worked with BC Housing on a provincewide needs assessment to help target project funding in communities around the province.
- Women’s transition houses are staffed 24/7 and provide safe, short-term shelter and supports — typically for 30 days — for women and children fleeing violence.
- Safe homes provide safe, short-term shelter and supports — typically for 10 days — for women and children fleeing violence in rural and remote communities.
- Second-stage housing provides safe short-term housing and supports for women after they leave an abusive relationship or situation. Women can stay for six to 18 months while they prepare for independent living.
- The Building BC: Women’s Transition Housing Fund was launched in Budget 2018 as part of the Province’s 30-point housing plan. The plan outlines the biggest investments in affordable housing in B.C.’s history — more than $7 billion over 10 years.
