VICTORIA – New Democrat MLA Doug Routley is welcoming a B.C. government announcement that Nanaimo is one of twelve communities set to benefit from new transition housing for women and children fleeing violence.

“There is a critical need for more transition housing in Nanaimo,” said MLA Routley. “Women and children fleeing abuse need access to safe and supportive housing. These new beds will provide survivors a safe place to start healing and rebuilding their lives.”

Routley said that Snuneymuxw Youth and Family Society will operate 10 transition house beds that will primarily serve Indigenous women and children and will provide supports that are culturally appropriate. Women’s transition houses are staffed 24/7 and provide safe, short-term shelter and supports – typically for 30 days – for women and children fleeing violence.

The twelve supportive housing projects announced today are the first step in the government’s new Building BC: Women’s Transition Housing Fund, a $734 million investment over 10 years to build 1,500 transition, second-stage, and affordable housing spaces for women and children fleeing violence.

Provincial release: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2018PREM0079-002068