In partnership with the province, the City of Richmond will build 40 homes with around-the-clock care in an effort to address the needs of community members struggling to find a stable home.

Announced on Friday, the project aims to combat the growth of homelessness in Richmond which has increased by 84 per cent since 2014, according to the Metro Vancouver homeless count. The province is contributing $5.9 million to construct the units and the combination of housing and support is expected to help people transition from temporary housing to longer-term options.

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“Homelessness is a critical issue in Richmond and across the province, which has put a strain on our communities and our families for too long,” said Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Selina Robinson, in a press release. “Our government understands that housing is the heart of community. We are focused on working with local governments to build homes where people have the safe foundation they need to rebuild their lives.”

Each studio unit will have its own kitchen and bathroom and RainCity be onsite to connect residents with support services, meals, skills training healthcare.

“Since the inception of the Affordable Housing Strategy in 2007, the City has been instrumental in the creation of over 1,500 affordable units in the community,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie in a press release. “The proposed modular, supportive housing fills a gap in the housing continuum and helps to support individuals in need to achieve stable and permanent housing.”

Currently, the city is contributing land at 7300 Elmbridge Way for the homes for up to five years.

A community meeting will be held on Feb. 28 from 3:30–7:30 p.m. at the Richmond Public Library Brighouse (Main) branch located at 7700 Minoru Gate.

Information and an online survey to hear community feedback will also be available on LetsTalkRichmond.ca from Monday, Feb. 19 until Sunday, March 4, 2018.