The City of Prince Rupert, Government of B.C. and North Coast Transition Society have partnered to purchase a building to provide supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness.
The Province, through BC Housing, has purchased the former Raffles Inn motel at 1080 3rd Ave. which will be converted to supportive housing with up to 48 units. The building will include a commercial kitchen, dining and lounge areas, storage and amenity space, laundry and a medical examination room.
“Homelessness affects not only those experiencing it, but also the community as a whole,” said Jennifer Rice, MLA for North Coast.
Once complete, this building will have the capacity for a 35-space temporary shelter or an extreme weather response shelter. North Coast Transition Society will operate the facility and provide 24/7 on-site staff and support services. Construction will begin in fall 2020. The shelter portion of the building is expected to open in early 2021, with the supportive homes ready by fall 2021.
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