B.C. Municipal Affairs and Housing minister and MLA for Coquitlam-Maillardville Selina Robinson is pictured in this submitted photo taken Feb. 17, 2017.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/B.C. NDP
April 05, 2018 - 11:15 AM
KAMLOOPS - Young Indigenous adults will now have the option to live under the same roof as their elders, as part of an affordable housing plan brought forward by the provincial government.
The plan is to create new housing units for Indigenous youth and elders at 975 Singh St.
“Too many people, including Indigenous youth aging out of care and young adults, don’t have nearly enough affordable housing options in Kamloops and throughout the province,” Municipal Affairs and Housing minister Selina Robinson says in a news release.
The building will be called Kikékylc, meaning to cover young protectively in the way birds cover their babies with their wings. The project will include around 16 homes for youth and 15 for elders. Rental rates will start at $600 for a studio suite and $750 for a one bedroom. There will also be a support worker on site to help with any specialized needs.
Minister of Children and Family Development Katrine Conroy says one of the goals of housing the two groups together, will help young adults to transition into adulthood successfully.
“We have heard from youth in care that long term relationships with caring, dependable adults and stronger community and cultural connections are among the many supports they need,” Conroy says in the release.
The minister also adds this is a great example of how the provincial government is listening to Indigenous communities to find out what their youth need.
City of Kamloops mayor Ken Christian says the new housing unit will be a great way to bring in available housing while supporting a greater cause.
“This is a unique project that will provide residents with affordability and support,” Christian in the release.
Construction will begin this summer.
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