A development set to provide housing for women and children experiencing violence or vulnerable to experiencing violence is two steps closer to coming to fruition following announcement of a pair of investments made to Sunshine Coast Community Services Society (SCCSS)'s Building Together Project.
Feds pitch in $3.1 million
The federal government has contributed over $3.1 million, which will be used for the new community services hub included in the development.
Beyond the hub, the six-story development in downtown Sechelt is to include 35 safe, secure and affordable housing units for single women, and women with children, who have experienced or are vulnerable to experiencing violence.
At the funding announcement, MP Patrick Weiler (West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country), said, “We know that with the Sunshine Coast growing, the need for services is going to continue to grow, and Coasters are going to be continuing to rely on Sunshine Coast Community Services more than ever, and so we need to give them the tools that they need so they could be there for us.
“Facilities such as this one are going to meet our community's social, cultural and health needs, and are critical to fostering resiliency,” he said.
In May, SCCSS launched the 50 Women for SCCSS Capital Campaign with a goal to raise $1.5 million and close the project's funding gap.
At the announcement, Catherine Leach, SCCSS executive director said, “The community hub will fill a critical social infrastructure gap in our community, providing an accessible, inclusive and welcoming place for thousands of community members to gather, connect, learn, play, build community and access essential supports and services in one central location.”
The community hub will offer SCCSS programs including, crisis response, housing support, and advocacy services, food programs, Bellies and Babies, Keeping People Housed, Better at Home, and youth and counselling services.
The building will be fully net-zero and support Canada’s greenhouse gas emission reduction goals, said the federal release.
“Sunshine Coast Community Services has been a pillar of this community for the last 50 years, and with the announcement that's made today, really excited at how it's going to be able to continue to do that for the next 50 years,” said Weiler.
Accessibility support
Announced the same day, $200,000 of funding was awarded from the RBC Foundation to support the installation of essential accessibility features, “ensuring the building is welcoming and functional for individuals of all abilities.”
“This historic contribution will directly fund accessibility components of the project as part of the 50 Women for SCCSS Capital Campaign," said the RBC release.
“By incorporating a variety of accessibility components, the Building Together project will help foster inclusion by ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can fully participate in and benefit from the programs and services offered at Sunshine Coast Community Services,” said Martin Thibodeau, regional president, BC RBC in the release. “We look forward to seeing the positive impact of this project for many years to come.”
While Leach said they don't have a set date to break ground, based on final approvals SCCSS believes they will begin demolishing the old building this month.
“This contribution will have a huge impact on the accessibility features available in the building, supporting more of our community to feel included and welcomed,” said Leach in the release.
Jordan Copp is the Coast Reporter’s civic and Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
