BC Housing – in partnership with Island Crisis Care Society (ICCS), the Oceanside Task Force on Homelessness, the Regional District of Nanaimo, the City of Parksville and the Town of Qualicum Beach – developed supportive housing at 222 Corfield Street South in Parksville.
BC Housing funded the building, with 52 studio and one-bedroom suites and ICCS provides 24/7 staffing and maintenance. Staff provide support to residents as well as security and management. Every unit includes a private bathroom and kitchen.
Successful applicants must meet local residency and eligibility requirements and be assessed to ensure that their needs can be met through on and off-site support. Priority is given to locals who have become homeless or are at risk of homelessness. All residents pay rent and sign a program agreement. Many residents already have relationships with ICCS or the Homelessness Outreach Support Team (HOST) through outreach work. Residents are supported by HOST which was started by the Task Force.
Each resident requires different support and receives individual case planning to further life and social skills, employment planning and managing the transition to independence and recovery. There is also programming space to facilitate training and food preparation. Other services include an outreach worker, wellness checks, connection and referral to community services and support groups.
Check out this BC Housing video on Orca Place’s one year anniversary.
Shelter
Purpose built space was included for a permanent shelter but Parksville City Council later objected to the use so it has not been used for that purpose. Visit the Cold Weather Shelter page here for more on the emergency shelter in the area.
Related Links
ICCS’ Orca Page
Frequently Asked Questions
High Support Clients and VAT
Project Timeline
City of Parksville Background Information
BC Housing Project Overview
Parksville City Council Rapid Response to Housing
Oceanside Homelessness Task Force - District 69, Parksville, BC 