BC Housing and the City of Richmond are partnering to build new temporary supportive housing for people who are homeless.
BC Housing announced Friday it has applied for a temporary use permit at 2520-2640 Smith St., near Bridgeport Canada Line Station, to build 40 new homes — and is now working with the city on a proposal for the project.
The Bridgeport Supportive Housing, planned as a three-storey building, would be in place for about three years, until permanent housing is available, according to BC Housing.
It would also allow those experiencing homelessness to practice physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
There is currently a temporary shelter in the former seniors centre next to the cultural centre.
The Smith Street site is owned by the city, and Richmond council will consider the permit later this year.
The building would be operated by a non-profit selected by the city and BC Housing.
“Each resident would also be supported by experienced non-profit staff who would be onsite 24/7 and provide support services and culturally appropriate programming,” a joint statement from the city and BC Housing reads.
“A nurse would also be onsite regularly, providing health care and access to treatment programs.”
BC Housing said it anticipates construction to begin in Spring 2021, and residents to move in before the end of that year.
An online survey about the housing project was launched Monday.
The provincial agency says neighbouring residents can ask questions online or by email to [email protected], or attend a public hearing that is tentatively scheduled January 2021.
In 2020, the Metro Vancouver Homeless Count found 85 homeless people in Richmond through, an increase of 21 per cent since the last count in 2017.
