Forty-nine people are transitioning from homelessness to supportive housing, as the doors open this week at a newly renovated building at 6465 201 St. in Langley.
“Langley, like other communities across B.C., has a clear need for housing,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Supportive housing provides people with a safe and secure place to call home, gives them hope and the tools to move forward in their lives. It’s great to see this project opening as we work to build more homes in the community.”
Stepping Stone Community Services Society will run the new supportive housing. It will provide services that include experienced outreach workers, wellness checks, connection to community services and support groups, life skills training – such as employment planning – and managing transitions to recovery and independence.
“It is exciting to see this long-awaited supportive housing coming into use,” said Jack Froese, mayor, Township of Langley. “Everyone has their own story of how they became homeless. Through this new facility and the vital support, services and care that will be provided, residents will have their individual needs met, get on track for permanent housing and find a healthy, stable path in life.”
The building includes an on-site intensive case management team, which will provide access to treatment and mental health services. The team is funded by Fraser Health and led by the Langley Community Services Society, in partnership with the Salvation Army, Encompass Support Services Society and Stepping Stone Community Services Society.
“A project like this with strong partnerships is very valuable in providing solutions to complex community issues,” said Dan Kipper, director, mental health and substance use, Fraser Health. “Fraser Health is pleased to be a part of such a collaboration.”
The housing has at least two experienced staff on-site 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
A community advisory committee has been meeting since March 2019. It includes BC Housing, Fraser Health, the Township of Langley, community partners, businesses and residents from the surrounding community, to ensure good communication between neighbours.
“Stepping Stone Community Services is excited and honoured to be able to work with BC Housing, Fraser Health, the Township of Langley and our community partners on this supportive housing project,” said Janet Burden, executive director, Stepping Stone Community Services.
“We are looking forward to opening this housing for people in Langley that will benefit from having safe, secure, affordable and supported housing, and we know that as soon as the doors open, a new chapter of hope will begin for those who will call Creek Stone Place home.”
A homeless count in March 2017 found that there were more than 200 people experiencing homelessness in the City and Township of Langley.
Quick Facts:
The Province invested $9.9 million to transform a former Quality Inn into the new supportive housing and will provide annual operating funding.
Residents will pay rent of $375 per month, the social assistance shelter allowance provided by the Province.