Wālyaqił - Tiny Home Village Provides Safe Housing For Those In Need

Thursday, October 26, 2023

Port Alberni, BC - The City of Port Alberni, in collaboration with the Port Alberni Friendship Centre, BC Housing, the Supportive Housing Task Force and other partner agencies, is excited to announce the completion of construction on the Wālyaqił - Tiny Home Village. This innovative project aims to address the urgent need for safe and secure housing for vulnerable individuals in our community.

Located at 3665, 3675, and 3689 4th Avenue, the Wālyaqił - Tiny Home Village features 20 temporary modular housing pods with an additional 10 to be constructed in the near future. These pods, equipped with amenities such as washrooms, laundry, an office, bicycle parking, and an outdoor gathering area, offer secure and dry sleeping spaces. The Port Alberni Friendship Centre will operate the village, providing 24/7 support services, including health and wellness supports, life-skills training, and culturally appropriate services for Indigenous Peoples. Additionally, residents will be provided as many as three meals a day.

“Council and City administration were honoured to be invited to partake in today’s site ceremony and open house”, said Mike Fox, Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Port Alberni. The Wālyaqił - Tiny Home Village showcases the power of community collaboration, and we are grateful for everyone who has been involved in bringing this important project to fruition."

The temporary pod housing facility is a collaborative effort aimed at providing safe and alternative housing to individuals unable to access safe and affordable housing, particularly those currently living in unsafe conditions. The Port Alberni Friendship Centre, with the support of BC Housing, will offer the necessary support services and activities to promote well-being, community engagement, and a sense of belonging.

"We are thrilled to announce the completion of the Wālyaqił - Tiny Home Village project in Port Alberni”, said Sharie Minions, Mayor of Port Alberni. “We are proud to contribute to ending homelessness and creating a supportive environment where individuals can stabilize their lives and thrive. I want to thank each of the partners involved, including the Supportive Housing Task Force, Port Alberni Friendship Centre and BC Housing, for their dedication to providing safe, accessible, and culturally appropriate housing in our community. This project would not have been successful without their unwavering commitment."

The City of Port Alberni, following the establishment of the Supportive Housing Task Force and subsequent Tiny Homes initiative, was pleased to provide the land for the project and extended ongoing support through municipal utility operating expenses and a grant of $165,000. BC Housing has committed approximately $726,000 in funding, including $75,000 for start-up costs, and will provide approximately $850,000 in annual operating funding. The Nuu-chah-nulth Employment and Training Program was instrumental in supporting the setup of utilities at the site, further demonstrating the collaborative effort involved.

The completion of the Wālyaqił - Tiny Home Village marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to providing safe, accessible, and affordable housing to the members of our community. We are grateful for the support of our partner agencies, BC Housing, and the Port Alberni Friendship Centre in making this project a reality.

For More Information

Mike Fox, CAO

City of Port Alberni

250.723.2146

mike_fox@portalberni.ca