City Of Campbell River To Host Open House For New Temporary Housing On Homewood Road

The City of Campbell River and BC Housing are holding an open house so community members can learn more about the temporary housing coming to 1299 Homewood Road.

Lookout Housing and Health Society, the selected operator of the site, will be on hand to answer questions.

“We are pleased to welcome Lookout into Campbell River and value their contribution to the creation of a safe space for community members in urgent need of housing,” said Kermit Dahl, City of Campbell River Mayor.

“Having a trusted operator in place for Homewood is a key step in the work we are doing with BC Housing to address the cycle of homelessness in our community, and the work we are doing as a Council to create a healthy and safe community for all.”

Established in 1971, Lookout is a non-profit charitable organization that provides a range of housing and health solutions to vulnerable adults living with multiple challenges.

Lookout serves 22 municipalities in Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland and has been operating The Village, a tiny home community in Duncan, since 2022.

CEO Shane Williams says the unique program will create opportunities for Campbell River residents experiencing homelessness to begin their journey to stabilization and wellness, with the goal of working towards securing housing.

Lookout will oversee day-to-day operations of the site, which will include 24/7 on-site staff and support services such as peer support, skills training and assistance with navigating the housing system.

“This new temporary housing will help create a healthier and safer Campbell River, where vulnerable people can access the services and supports, they need, surrounded by a community they know and trust,” said Michele Babchuk, MLA for North Island.

“Our government is proud to be working with the City of Campbell River and Lookout to support Homewood and we look forward to sharing more details about the site with the community.”

The open house will take place on Wednesday, September 11th, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Maritime Heritage Centre.

Those who wish to attend are encouraged to RSVP via Eventbrite.

Homewood, previously referred to as HEARTH Village, will have 40 sleeping units, with access to a shared amenity space and washrooms.

Residents will be selected through a process that will place some of the people who have been staying in community shelters into temporary housing with support, which will help free up shelter beds for those sleeping outside or in encampments.

Homewood says it will prioritize people from the local community.

The opening is anticipated ahead of the coming winter with the exact date to be determined.

For more information, visit City of Campbell River.