The B.C. government announced housing projects across the province, including one in Nanaimo, intended to provide safe spaces for women and children fleeing violence.
The province announced in a press release that 12 projects in British Columbia are the first phase of the government’s new Building B.C. Women’s Transition Housing Fund, which promises $743 million over 10 years.
The release indicates that Snuneymuxw Youth and Family Society will operate 10 transition house beds, primarily for indigenous women and children.
Nanaimo-North Cowichan MLA Doug Routley said in a separate press release that he welcomes the announcement.
“There is a critical need for more transition housing in Nanaimo,” Routley said. “Women and children fleeing abuse need access to safe and supportive housing. These new beds will provide survivors a safe place to start healing and rebuilding their lives.”
Premier John Horgan said in the release that the province needs to make sure women and children can find safe places when they most need them.
“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,” Horgan said.
Women are being turned away due to lack of transition house spending, 12 new facilities on way says @selinarobinson #bcleg pic.twitter.com/advutiwKu3
— Tom Fletcher (@tomfletcherbc) October 25, 2018