VICTORIA – New Democrat MLA Scott Fraser is welcoming a B.C. government announcement that Port Alberni is one of twelve communities set to benefit from new supportive housing for women and children fleeing violence.

“For far too long, women and children fleeing violence found themselves without a safe place to go. Our government is making the first major investment in transition housing in 20 years,” said MLA Fraser. “This new housing will provide women and children escaping violence in our community a welcoming and safe space to start healing and rebuilding their lives.”

Fraser said that Alberni Community and Women’s Services Society will operate up to 20 units of second-stage housing. Second-stage housing provides safe short-term housing and supports for women after they leave an abusive relationship or situation. Women can stay for six to 18 months as they prepare to transition to more permanent homes.

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