Mothers from across northern B.C. who are seeking a safe place to stay for themselves and their children will soon have access to 34 new transitional housing units in Prince George, along with parenting and cultural supports.
"These 34 new homes show our government's commitment to keeping families together and ensuring everyone, no matter how difficult their personal circumstances, has a roof over their head," said Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon in an announcement issued by the province. "Harmony House is keeping children out of foster care, connecting families with their Indigenous culture, and ultimately giving women the skills and confidence they need to be successful parents."
Harmony House has 22 transition beds and 12 second-stage housing units for women and gender-diverse people who are at risk of, or have experienced, intimate partner violence in Prince George and surrounding area, and their children. Occupancy is expected to be complete by mid-July 2024.
"These new homes represent fresh starts for women and their children," said Kelli Paddon, parliamentary secretary for gender equity. "The program at Harmony House will provide a safe space and culturally appropriate care so that people leaving intimate partner violence can rebuild their lives in a supportive home."
Operated by the Phoenix Transition Society, the transition house has private bedrooms and bathrooms with a shared kitchen and common spaces. It will function as one large home where families can live for six months to one year. The second-stage housing units are self-contained suites where women and their children can live independently.
"Harmony House has saved my life," said resident Alisha Poole.
Ninety per cent of Harmony House clients are Indigenous women who come from remote communities across northern B.C., so programming is focused on providing culturally appropriate safe care, while preserving cultural knowing and providing life skills that contribute to sustainable changes.
The new building will allow Phoenix Transition Society to expand its current program, which has a long wait list and high demand.
Twenty-one per cent of the units are accessible, and the entire development is designed with universal design principles, recognizing that the space must be functional and inclusive for people of all ages and abilities.
