Women experiencing homelessness in the community now have 37 new supportive homes options at a permanent modular building with around-the-clock services.

“Women in need now have a place to call home and the supports to help them get back on their feet and have hope for the future,” said Garry Begg, MLA for Surrey-Guildford. “With more than 80 new supportive modular homes now open in Abbotsford, we’re creating housing that works for the residents and the community.”

Located at 31399 Livingstone Ave., Legacy Manor is the second modular housing project to open in the community. The two-storey modular apartment building features 37 units, each with a private washroom and mini kitchen. One of the units is wheelchair-accessible. The former restaurant on site was renovated to create a central amenity building with a commercial kitchen and dining space. Tenants will start moving into the new units later in June 2019.

“On behalf of the City of Abbotsford, I’d like to thank the Province for its continued investment in Abbotsford,” said Henry Braun, mayor, City of Abbotsford. “Our community has taken a housing first approach to address homelessness and additional capacity for modular housing will serve to support the most vulnerable individuals in our community.”

Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver will operate the building and provide residents with meal programs, life and employment skills training, health and wellness support services. Located on land owned by the society, Legacy Manor is adjacent to its Firth Residence, which provides transitional housing and support services, including detox, stabilization and structured relapse prevention for women.

“This critically needed supportive housing will help transform the lives of some of the most vulnerable women in Abbotsford,” said Shawn Bayes, executive director, Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver. “The positive impact of the Province’s investment in helping women leave homelessness can’t be understated. Safe housing and case management support together will unlock the door to a brighter future for the women who live here.”

B.C.-based manufacturer Horizon North was selected by the Province to manufacture the modular units for Legacy Manor, and several other modular projects in B.C., supporting jobs and local economies.

More than 20,000 new homes are completed or underway throughout B.C. as a result of provincial investments, including more than 2,600 new supportive homes for people experiencing homelessness in B.C.

Delivering affordable housing is a shared priority between government and the BC Green Party caucus and is part of the Confidence and Supply Agreement.

Quick Facts:

• The Province invested $7.1 million in capital and construction costs for the project and will provide annual operating funding of approximately $1 million.
• Through the Building BC: Rapid Response to Homelessness program, the Province is investing $291 million to build 2,000 homes around the province and providing annual operating funding to provide 24/7 staffing and support services. More than 1,400 are complete.
• As part of Budget 2018, another 2,500 additional homes with 24/7 support are completed, underway or in development.
• The Building BC: Rapid Response to Homelessness program is expected to create more than 2,000 jobs throughout the province, which includes 1,400 direct jobs and another 650 jobs in supplier industries.