The Northgate Foursquare Church has agreed to open their multi-purpose room to as many as 30 people under certain climactic conditions, such as when the temperature dips below -2 degrees C with sleet, freezing rain or snow.
"The truth of the matter is that BC Housing stands prepared to come in and build something," said Wilson. "What they do require is a commitment, and usually for a municipality a commitment means property.
According to Wilson's report, factors contributing to the problem locally include a lack of high-paying jobs -- the average household income in the Valley is 18 per cent below the provincial average and 22 per cent below the federal average -- and the lack of new rental stock being built.
He noted that over the last 20 years, zero units of affordable rental housing have been built by anybody at all, other than affordable housing for seniors. You can read the rest Here
It is great to see social service providers and our church responding to meet needs that are in our community. However, in my opinion, these articles highlight the need and challenge to our city council and mayor to be PROACTIVE:
1. Attract industry. Do what it takes to become a more business friendly climate. Go after businesses and 'sell' the Comox Valley. Find out what the barriers are and move to change them. The best guard against homelessness and unaffordability is a well paying job. We need more than service industry jobs.
2. Meet with builders and anyone necessary to encourage building of rental stock. I suspect this will needs some liaising with the provincial government on a regulatory level as well.
3. Work with anyone, and do whatever the city can, to help affordable housing be built.
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