The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) of Northern BC has opened a new housing facility in Prince George.
The newest facility has 27 rooms, as well as two handicapped rooms.
“We started with a list of over 370 people that got narrowed down to 30 and a backup 10,” said Building Manager Irv David.
“It’s not a shelter in the sense that come 9:00 a.m. everyone’s out the door, this is where they live.”
CMHA of Northern BC Executive Director Maureen Davis says it’s important to be opening these facilities.
“Particularly when you’re looking at us coming out of COVID, the amount of impacts on mental illness that occurred as a result of that period of time has been huge,” Davis said.
“This is a dream that’s ten years in the making, so this is so important, because many times the mental health aspect of people who are unhoused is not really addressed.”
Davis added while the facility is set up as a home, they’ll be offering other programming for the people who live there.
“There can be an addictions group running, we’re going to be utilizing the kitchen for teaching how to make bannock,” Davis explained.
“We’re going to start to try and fill people’s lives with opportunities that will have them happy to up each morning, and maybe the addiction will shrink.”
The CMHA of Northern BC also re-opened the Connections Wellness Centre two weeks ago.
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