VICTORIA – New Democrat MLA Doug Donaldson is welcoming a B.C. government announcement that Smithers and the surrounding area will benefit from new supportive housing for women and children fleeing violence. Donaldson said the announced second-stage housing to assist women and children in their efforts to transition to independent living in the region is long overdue.

“For too long women and children fleeing violence in their communities have not had enough access to second-stage housing,” said Donaldson. “Today’s announcement will provide safety when it’s needed most, and give women and children the supports they need to help rebuild their lives.”

Donaldson said the Northern Society for Domestic Peace will operate four second-stage housing units for young women and young mothers and five second-stage units for women and women with children.

The housing in Smithers is one of twelve supportive housing projects announced today, and is 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://archive.news.gov.bc.ca/releases/news_releases_2017-2021/2018PREM0079-002068.htm