FAQs
Why the “HEARTH Village”?
People in our community are experiencing homelessness and that’s creating health and safety challenges for everyone. City Council has heard from community members that we have a responsibility to respond. This initiative is an opportunity to partner with BC Housing as we continue to work with senior government partners in addressing permanent housing options.
The Province, through BC Housing, is providing the funding for the project through the Homelessness Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) program. It is anticipated that offering centralized supports such as 24/7 staffing, harm reduction services, meal delivery, outreach and daily activities at the HEARTH Village will help take pressure off existing services downtown and reduce the challenges that are being experienced by area businesses.
What services will the HEARTH Village provide?
The HEARTH Village will offer secure private sleeping rooms, bathrooms, storage for residents’ belongings, and a shared communal area. Staff will be on-site 24/7 and will provide services and supports including referrals to health care and other community services as well as access to skills training and employment assistance.On-site service providers also will have space for counselling or medical treatments.
Staff will be trained in non-violent crisis intervention, overdose, and incident response; provide peer support; connect residents with local resources; and provide trauma-informed communication.
Residents at this site are permitted to make their own choices regarding lifestyle. This includes the decision to abstain or use drugs/alcohol in the privacy of their units. BC Housing takes a harm reduction approach, which means if residents choose to use substances, support staff would work with each resident to ensure they use safely.
Where will the HEARTH Village be located?
The City and BC Housing selected 1299 Homewood Road as the location for the HEARTH Village due to its proximity to the downtown core and as this is the location currently identified to permit overnight sheltering.
Have additional questions?
Learn more and share your thoughts so that we can move forward, together, as a community:
Campbell River: GetInvolved.CampbellRiver.ca/the-village, email TheVillage@campbellriver.ca