Dozens of people experiencing homelessness in Nelson are set to gain stable housing as a 43-unit supportive complex moves ahead in Railtown.
BC Housing has awarded Nelson CARES the operating contract for a new supportive housing complex at 45 Government Road, providing a pathway to supports and stable housing for people experiencing homelessness.
Nelson CARES announced the project in a Sept. 29 press release.
Tenants of the complex will benefit from non-clinical supports for adults, seniors and people with diverse abilities.
Residents will also be offered life-skills training, along with connections to health care, mental health and substance-use services.
“The 45 Government Rd. building is an ideal location to provide a supportive housing program that will best serve Nelson’s unique needs. We look forward to working with BC Housing, the City of Nelson and the community overall to provide another successful supportive housing program,” said Joanne Motta, Nelson CARES Society housing director.
The completed complex will complement the existing North Shore Inn supportive housing facility, which has been operational since 2020.
In 2022, BC Housing purchased the North Shore Inn, entering a partnership with Nelson CARES that it said has significantly reduced the number of people experiencing homelessness in the city.
The North Shore Inn has 28 low-barrier housing units with 24/7 support staff, which Nelson CARES said has been successful in creating a stable pathway for residents to move along the housing continuum.
For example, a tenant of the Inn was able to access the SAFER subsidy program, which helps make rent more affordable for B.C. seniors, and successfully moved into independent housing.
“We very much look forward to taking on the operation of this building and adding to the already vital housing and support services that we provide the community,” said Sarah Magee, Nelson CARES Society executive director.
The 45 Government Rd. location was initially built in 2019. The 30,000-square-foot facility was rezoned in 2023 to mixed residential and commercial use.
Construction on the four-storey building is expected to wrap up next summer, at which point BC Housing will take ownership.
“Having safe and supportive places to go when you’re struggling is essential, which is why we’re investing in supportive housing in Nelson and throughout B.C.,” said Brittny Anderson, MLA for Nelson-Creston, in the release.
“These homes are going to help many people experiencing homelessness receive the support that they need and deserve to find stability. I am grateful to see so many partners working together to take care of people.”
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