Port Alberni, Vimy Street - Second Stage Housing
Overview
BC Housing and Sage Haven Society are pleased to announce the upcoming opening of 4440 Vimy Street in Port Alberni, expected in November 2023. This building features 22 new units of second stage housing to help transition women and families to independent living.
This two-storey residential building for women, with or without children, features units that range from studios to three-bedrooms. In 2022, the City of Port Alberni approved subdivision, OCP amendment and Zoning Bylaw amendments, with construction beginning in the summer and completing in 2023.
This project is being funded through the Building BC: Women’s Transition Housing Fund, which is an investment of $734 million over the next 10 years to build and operate 1,500 new units of housing for women, including transition houses, safe homes, second stage and long-term housing.
About Second Stage Housing
Second stage housing is safe, affordable short-term housing with support services. Second stage housing is typically accessed by women and families after they have stayed in a transition house. Women and their children generally stay in second stage independent housing no longer than 18 months.
Supportive educational programs can include financial literacy, building self-esteem and referral services. Support services are provided according to each woman’s expressed needs. They may include parenting support, access to information and education regarding the impacts of domestic violence, and crisis and emotional support for women and children.
When considering sites to develop new second stage housing, BC Housing looks for proximity to public transportation, health care centres, childcare providers and schools, community resources, grocery/drug stores, educational and recreational facilities, and pedestrian and/or bicycle friendly travel.
The Operator: Sage Haven
Sage Haven Society (formally Alberni Community and Women's Services Society) an experienced operator in Port Alberni would manage the new housing. They currently operate a confidential transition house in Port Alberni and provide a range of services for women, children and families.
Learn more at: Sage Haven Society – Making a Difference in our Community
Community Engagement
BC Housing and Sage Haven kept the community informed and engaged throughout development with neighbourhood letters. Find more information about this and similar projects in the document library and important links section on the right side of this page.