CAMPBELL RIVER – People who were previously living in shelters and encampments in Campbell River now have a roof over their heads and access to services they need at Homewood, a new 40-unit temporary supportive housing project.

“These homes will bring people sheltering outdoors inside where they can access the supports they need to begin stabilizing their lives,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “Our government is working hard to make communities safer by delivering real solutions to address complex challenges and respond to community concerns. Homewood will help people get on a better path and live full, healthy lives, leading to a stronger community.”  

Homewood, formerly HEARTH Village, at 1299 Homewood Rd. consists of eight separate modular buildings. Five of the buildings contain eight sleeping units for a total of 40 homes. Each sleeping unit is designed for one person. Each unit has a bed, desk, space to store personal belongings and a locking door. The three other buildings on site provide shared facilities, such as washrooms, showers, laundry machines and a dining area.

People began moving into Homewood on Nov. 21, 2024. The new homes are prioritized for people who have lived in the area for at least two years and stayed in local shelters and encampments.

Homewood is operated by Lookout Housing and Health Society, with staff on site 24/7. Residents will receive daily meals, access to skills training, case planning for required services, and health and community support referrals.

Safety features at Homewood for residents and the community include an experienced operator, regular sweeps of the property to maintain cleanliness and a requirement for residents to abide by a program agreement that addresses expectations about appropriate and respectful behaviour.

This is the first project in Campbell River created through the Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) program. Homewood was the subject of community consultation in March and September 2024.

Homewood is a temporary housing solution and will be in place for a minimum of three years. The Province, through BC Housing, continues to work with the City of Campbell River to identify and build new permanent supportive housing.

This project is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the Province has more than 90,000 homes that have been delivered or are underway, including more than 400 homes in Campbell River.

Quotes:

Kermit Dahl, mayor, Campbell River –

“This rapid housing initiative and our partnership with the Province is an important step forward in the work the city is doing to address homelessness in Campbell River. Providing safe housing options and support services for people experiencing homelessness is one way Campbell River city council is enhancing health and safety for all residents.”

Shayne Williams, CEO, Lookout Housing and Health Society –

“This unique program will create opportunities for residents to begin their journey to stabilization and wellness with the goal of working toward securing permanent housing.”

Quick Facts:

• The Province, through BC Housing, provided approximately $2.4 million through the HEARTH program to build the homes and will provide annual operating funding of approximately $1.8 million.
• The City of Campbell River owns the land and is leasing it to the Province for a nominal fee.
• The City of Campbell River also funded all civil works and site preparation costs.
• The HEARTH program is part of Belonging in BC, the Province’s plan to prevent and reduce homelessness.

Learn More:

For more information about the HEART and HEARTH programs, visit:
https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/homelessness-services/HEART-HEARTH

To read the Belonging in BC plan, visit:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BelongingStrategy.pdf