The B.C. Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing announced the opening of a new housing project in Courtenay today, for women and children leaving violence.
The project, which is operated by the Comox Valley Transition Society, provides eight units for up to 16 women and children leaving violence.
“Women and children need to know there are safe, compassionate places for them to turn to when they leave an abusive situation,” said Ronna-Rae Leonard, MLA for Courtenay-Comox in a statement.
Residents moved in to the units in July 2019 and pay monthly rent ranging from $570 to $965.
Women will also receive assistance accessing other services available through the Comox Valley Transition Society and in the community, including counselling for themselves and their children, assistance with job searches or exploring educational opportunities and parenting support.
“Transition houses like Lilli House are just the first step of a very long and difficult journey for women and their children escaping violence,” said Heather Ney, executive director, Comox Valley Transition Society in a statement.
The project is funded through the Building B.C.: Women’s Transition Fund. It’s a $734-million investment over 10 years, that will build 1,500 transition, second-stage and long-term housing spaces for women and children leaving violence.
It is also aimed to increase the number of women’s housing units in B.C. by 63 per cent. More than 340 of these new homes have been announced in 14 B.C. communities.
Tim Ford
