The Maritime Heritage Centre was bustling Wednesday evening, hosting an open house about Homewood, the new temporary housing units designed to help individuals experiencing homelessness in the city.
Organized by the City of Campbell River and BC Housing, the open house provided an opportunity for the public to learn how the private units on Homewood Rd. will help the homeless population until permanent solutions are found. Representatives from the operator, Lookout Housing and Health Society, were also available to answer questions.
Shayne Williams, CEO of Lookout Housing, said a similar emergency shelter program in Duncan, under the same provincial program, had a "tremendous" impact on the community.
"There was a lot of apprehension and people were very worried how it was going to impact them," he said of the shelters. "But it has had the absolute opposite effect."
Williams said Duncan has experienced a reduction in rough camping in the community, an overall improvement in the health of the vulnerable population and a decrease in crime rate.
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At the open house, informative placards detailed the features of the new units, highlighting the safety, accessibility, and the support services available to those staying there. Visitors also learned about the homelessness situation in Campbell River and how shelters, like Homewood, become a gateway to helping people transition to permanent housing.
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Homewood village is currently finishing construction. It will offer temporary accommodations for up to 40 people, including private units, shared amenities, and restrooms, as well as round-the-clock support services available on-site.
