The public is invited to have their say on a proposed shelter/supportive housing project that is planned for 7th Avenue in Hope.
A Community Housing Consultation meeting will be held online Feb. 24, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Participants will hear from representatives of BC Housing, Fraser Health and the Hope and Area Transition Society (HATS), and ask questions to those groups and the building’s architects.
BC Housing, Fraser Health, the Hope and Area Transition Society (HATS) and the District of Hope are partners on the project. The proposed modular building would include 15 shelter beds and 15 extreme weather response beds. It would provide approximately 52 homes with access to support services.
The proposed location (1275 7th Avenue) is owned by Fraser Health and is next to Fraser Canyon Hospital, providing easy access to services and transit for future residents.
The building would be managed and operated by HATS and have 24/7 staffing to support residents.
RELATED: Brain injury endemic among homeless populations
RELATED: FVRD report shows number of homeless people far exceeds shelter spaces in Hope
According to the event invite page, plans are still being developed, and this is ‘pre-regulatory engagement.’
“Once a formal application has been submitted to the District, there will be further community engagement as part of the rezoning process,” the page notes.
The only year-round shelter currently open in Hope has space for 20-beds and is operated by HATS at 650 Old Hope Princeton Highway. Proponents of the new building say there is a need to move the current shelter, and they point out the need for shelter and homes with supports continues to grow in Hope. Sixty-nine people identified as homeless in the 2020 Point-in-Time count.
Pre-registration for this meeting is required at eventbrite.ca/e/1275-7th-avenue-hope-community-housing-consultation-tickets-265352956837
Such meetings are often contentious, and participants are cautioned that belligerent behaviour won’t be accepted.
“Please note, we want to hear from everyone who wants to share their perspective in a safe and respectful way,” the page adds. “We expect attendees to not use language or act in a way that is discriminating, threatening, abusive, racist or otherwise disrespectful. Discrimination or abusive language of any kind will not be tolerated.”