Building new culturally supportive homes in Victoria

Modern five-story apartment building with corrugated metal facade, street-level shops, trees, parked cars, and pedestrians on a sunny street.

Construction begins on 34 homes for Indigenous Peoples experiencing or at risk of homelessness

Summary

  • Thirty-four new culturally supportive homes for Indigenous people are under construction in Victoria
  • The new homes will be operated by the Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness Society
  • The homes are expected to open in early 2028

VICTORIA - First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in need of culturally safe supportive housing will have access to 34 new homes as construction is underway on the Wellness House, developed in partnership with the Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness Society (ACEH).

"These culturally supportive homes will provide a safe place to live and access to essential services," said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. "For Indigenous people, this means greater stability and support, helping address the systemic barriers, discrimination and lasting impacts of colonization that have contributed to homelessness."

Located at 938 Mason St., the Wellness House is a new five-storey building that is under construction. Once complete, the new building will provide 34 homes (33 studios and one two-bedroom home) for Indigenous Peoples older than 19 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Culturally supportive homes

Each of the homes has its own private bathroom and kitchenette with a full-size refrigerator. The building also has a dining room, shared amenity room, office space and a dedicated cultural room.

Rent will be geared to income and aligned with the provincial shelter allowance with residents paying up to $500 for a studio or up to $695 for a two-bedroom.

"This new culturally supportive housing marks an important milestone for the community," said Grace Lore, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill. "Many partners have worked for years to make this a reality, reflecting what's possible when we come together to meet the needs of our neighbours and community. Continued collaboration will help ensure more people can find stable homes along with culturally relevant care and support."

ACEH has been selected to operate the site, which will have staff on site 24/7. Local Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Indigenous Peoples with lived experience will guide the building's programming, which will include:

  • 24/7 staffing with at least two staff on site overnight and more during the day
  • daily meals
  • life skills and employment training
  • access to health supports
  • connections to community service

Additionally, cultural and trauma-informed supports will be incorporated to help strengthen Indigenous identity and support residents' physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health. These may include land-based healing, access to traditional foods, cultural ceremonies and mentorship by Elders.

This development is currently called the Wellness House. An Elders and Knowledge Keepers advisory group will come together once the building opens to provide a name in the local Indigenous language for the home, which is expected in early 2028.

Funding for the homes

These homes received funding through the following partners:

  • The Province, through BC Housing, provided the land and a grant of more than $9 million through the Building BC program from the Homelessness Action Plan Enhanced Fund.
  • The federal government, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), is providing more than $9 million through the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) Round 3.
  • The First Nation Health Authority is providing $474,400.
  • The City of Victoria is providing $262,500 from its Housing Reserve Fund.
  • The Victoria Native Friendship Centre is providing $150,000.
  • Other contributions include $60,000 from Vancity Credit Union and $25,000 from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

These homes are part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the Province has more than 99,000 homes that have been delivered or are underway, including more than 4,600 homes in Victoria.

Quotes:

Will Greaves, MP for Victoria, on behalf of Gregor Robertson, federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development -

"Our government is focused on delivering a variety of housing to meet the needs of all residents here in Victoria and across the country. I am proud that our government has contributed to providing culturally appropriate housing that supports the most vulnerable residents in Victoria."

Marianne Alto, mayor of Victoria -

"The Wellness House marks a significant step forward in providing more safe, stable and culturally supportive homes for Indigenous people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Victoria. This project shows what's possible when local and provincial governments and community partners come together to build inclusive housing responsive to community needs."

Fran Hunt-Jinnouchi, CEO, Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness Society -

"Groundbreaking of the Wellness House marks the realization of a vision that was first mandated during the Wisdom of the Elders Gathering in 2018. At that gathering, our Elders provided clear direction: to create a light at the end of the tunnel through housing for those experiencing homelessness and substance use. Housing that is more than shelter, but a foundation for long-term wellness, centering land-based healing, family reunification, life-skills development and cultural connection."

Quick Facts:

  • Since 2017, the Province has 826 supportive homes open or underway in Victoria.
  • The Province, through BC Housing, is also funding 277 permanent shelter beds in Victoria to help people come indoors and access supports and services.
  • More shelter beds are added during the winter season, such as temporary winter shelter spaces and extreme weather response shelter spaces.
  • The Province has also added 186 Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) spaces to support people experiencing homelessness in Victoria.

Learn More:

Contacts
Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs
Media Relations
[email protected]
BC Housing
Media Relations
[email protected]