Construction begins on Langford housing for women and children fleeing domestic violence

Fifty units of safe and secure housing for women and children fleeing violence in Langford.

In a media release, the B.C. government says construction is underway on a new four-storey building with two transition spaces and 48 second-stage homes for women and children in the West Shore region leaving violent situations.

Homes will be available for women and gender-diverse people, including transgender women, Two-Spirit, and non-binary people, and their dependant children.

Construction is expected to be completed by 2024.

“These homes will allow women and children on the West Shore, to find a safe haven where they can begin to rebuild their lives with the supports and services they need,” said Premier John Horgan, MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca. “Our government is committed to helping survivors by building safer, more supportive communities, free of abuse and violence.”

The $23.5 million project, is a partnership between the B.C. government via BC Housing, and the Victoria Women’s Transition House Society. Under the partnership, VWTHS will be responsible for operating the building and providing on-site support services to residents, such as safety planning, crisis intervention, parenting support and tenancy resources.

“This new project will provide 50 units of safe housing for families and offer essential support services to help women and children recover from the trauma and upheaval in their lives,” said Makenna Rielly, executive director, VWTHS. “Victoria Women’s Transition House is thrilled with this new initiative in our community.”

According to the province, rent for the second-stage housing will be calculated at 30 per cent of residents’ income or the provincial shelter rate for those who are receiving income or disability assistance while those living in transition spaces will not be required to pay rent.

Transition-house guests typically stay for 30 days and second-stage housing residents usually live in the units for six to 24 months.

“Our government is committed to ensuring everyone — including women, gender-diverse, transgender, Two-Spirit and non-binary people — feels safe in their home and their community,” said Grace Lore, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity. “This new project is an essential step to creating safer, more supportive communities and ensuring survivors have the support they need to rebuild their lives.”

Stew Young, out-going mayor of the City of Langford, said in a release that he is thrilled to see the project come to life.

“Everyone should have the right to a safe environment and to feel supported by their community. The Victoria Women’s Transition House Society’s second-stage transition house in Langford will help those in need, not only in Langford but throughout the West Shore. I am grateful to everyone who has worked so diligently on this important project to ensure it becomes a reality,” he said.

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