Run by Haven Society in Nanaimo, new housing due to open next year will provide a safe space for women and children fleeing violence. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

needed housing

New housing under construction for women & children fleeing violence in Nanaimo

Dec 23, 2023 | 9:02 AM

NANAIMO — Construction has commenced on a new housing block, designed to be a safe haven for women and children escaping violence.

Funded by the provincial government, with support from BC Housing and run locally by Haven Society, the 47-unit building will feature both transitional and second-stage housing options.

Transitional beds are designed to be temporary in nature for those “leaving a violent or abusive situation” according to the province. Stays are typically brief before people move to longer-term second stage housing or find accommodations on their own.

“These new safe spaces will be instrumental in providing safety, security and peace of mind for families across Nanaimo,” Ravi Kahlon, provincial minister of housing, said in a statement. “We will continue to work in partnership with organizations like the Haven Society to provide the safety, supports and services that can help rebuild people’s lives.”

Stays in transitional beds are free, while those who occupy second-stage home space will be charged rent equal to 30 per cent of their income, or the provincial shelter rate for those receiving income assistance.

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People using second stage housing typically stay for between six and 18 months, according to the province.

The facility is designed to be four storey’s and include 17 transitional beds as well as 30 self-contained second stage housing units.

Each of the second stage areas have their own bathroom and kitchen.

“Women and children fleeing violence need safe housing for a new start,” Nanaimo MLA Sheila Malcolmson added. “Partnering with Nanaimo’s beloved Haven Society…women and their children are able to put down roots and look forward to a more secure future.”

Daylene Jones, executive director of Haven Society, said Nanaimo’s extremely low vacancy rate for rentals makes facilities like this essential.

“Finding affordable housing for women and families leaving violence is incredibly difficult. The addition of these second-stage units will help immensely in the transition from leaving abuse to finding long-term security and stability.”

A specific location for the housing, as well as renderings of the final product, are not being made public by the province.

Representatives from BC Housing cited safety and security concerns for the future residents.

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