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Homes on the way for women, children leaving violence

Nov 25, 2019 | 12:40 PM

The B.C. government has announced support for women and children leaving violence with over 260 new spaces of transition, second-stage and affordable housing around the province.

One of the projects is in Vernon with a 41-unit complex for low income families at 3800 27th Avenue, led by the Vancouver Resource Society for the Physically Disabled.

The province made the announcement to kick off the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

“It’s encouraging to see communities and partners around the province working together to ensure that women and children have safe and secure places to go when they need help,” Selina Robinson, minister responsibile for municipal affairs and housing. “Everyone deserves to live a life free of violence with hope for the future, and we are working hard to create more homes and opportunities for women and children to thrive.”

The province is working with housing providers in urban, rural and First Nations communities to build the homes. Combined with the first round of projects announced in 2018, more than 600 new homes are open or in progress.

The homes will be operated by non-profit providers that specialize in housing and supports for women and children who are experiencing or at risk of violence.

In addition to funding the construction of these homes, the province will provide funding for support services including emotional support, safety planning and information and referrals to medical, legal and financial assistance.

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