Building Together 34 units of A ordable Housing Coming to Sechelt

Building Together –

34 units of A ordable Housing Coming to Sechelt

We all know our cost of living has increased. Can you imagine if your income decreased or disappeared? A ordable housing is a hot topic these days - everywhere you look, there is an announcement of another development under consideration. e de nition of a ordable seems to be up in the air. Fortunately, BC Housing uses a formula that 30% of income is a ordable with a reasonable cap for top earners. is de nition permits people to live in comfortable, safe housing - and still buy food, clothing and have a bit le over for costs such as a vehicle or daycare.

Sunshine Coast Community Services (SCCSS) was one of the rst non-pro ts to see the value of developing a multi-purpose building and partnering with BC Housing to build 34 rental units in the heart of Sechelt. is iconic building will o er units for single women, mothers with children, young females exiting the foster care system, and senior women. Much thought has gone into creating a place where these women will feel welcome, safe, and comfortable. Increased socialization between tenants and interaction with the community was carefully considered, with the space designed to provide privacy, security, and community engagement.

When SCCSS determined it prudent to rebuild the o ces on Inlet Avenue, the board decided a partial solution to the housing issue on the Coast would mix well with a community services hub. e programs o ered by SCCSS o en interact so this synergy will bene t the clients. By expanding the capacity of the current building from 1 to 2 storeys, many of the program o ces that rent o -site can now be under one roof. e operating savings gained by eliminating external o ce rentals with the added revenue stream from the housing units will positively a ect the bottom line.

e community will also bene t from the 6-storey redevelopment. e new building will have a commercial kitchen and multi-purpose rooms available for functions. e food bank will relocate into the new building and feature increased refrigeration and freezer capacity. e gardens will include a picnic area, a natural playground, a contemplative garden, a playing eld and an expanded community vegetable garden. is area will provide a lovely spot for sta , tenants, volunteers, clients and the community to enjoy.

All non-pro ts look to the community to help with funding. SCCSS is expecting about $4 million from grants and corporate sponsorship, and $3 million from community donations. To date, they have collected close to $1 million in donations. Please consider helping SCCSS reach their goal. By covering the costs, SCCSS can be debt-free and direct all revenue into their 30+ programs, helping 1 in 5 people Coastwide. To learn more about the Building Together project, visit www.buildingtogether-sccss.ca or contact Melanie Munroe at 604-885-5881.

Sunshine Coast Community Services has been making our community stronger, safer and more resilient since 1974. Our non-pro t organization supports over 5,000 community members through more than 30 programs in four main areas: Community Action & Engagement; Child and Family Counselling; Family, Youth and Children’s Services; and Together Against Violence. We are honoured to provide services on the unceded, ancestral and traditional lands of the shíshálh (Sechelt) Nation and the Skwxwu7mesh Uxwumixw (Squamish Nation). To learn more, visit www.sccss.ca.