Society provides affordable place to call home

Holly Jackson had tears in her eyes as she proudly welcomed a stream of dignitaries and visitors into her one-bedroom apartment Tuesday.

"The first thing they said to me [when I moved in] was 'welcome home,'" said Jackson, who was the fifth tenant to move into the brand new Elizabeth Fry Place on Sixth Avenue with her dog Polar.

Jackson waited four years before securing a spot with Prince George and District Elizabeth Fry Housing Society. She said when she heard she was moving into the new 36-unit apartment for seniors and people with disabilities, her mouth dropped open. "I love it and I'm proud of it and it's an honour and a blessing."

On Tuesday morning, representatives from all levels of government joined Elizabeth Fry for the official opening of both the downtown building and Hart Haven, a 30-unit seniors' rental housing project on Dagg Road.

Jackson's story is a familiar one for society executive director Kathi Heim, who said there is a story for each tenant. Those tenants were selected from more than 150 applications.

"What it really says is that our work isn't done. What it really says is that there's still a great need for housing," she said. "What it really says is that we must continue."

Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond agreed that the need for affordable seniors' housing will only intensify in years to come. "By 2031, over a quarter of BC's population will be over 65 years old," she said.

The $6-million housing project was funded with $2.7 million from the federal government, $2.6 million from the province and $910,000 from the city.

Making that investment was an easy decision for city council, said Mayor Shari Green, adding it was clear seniors' housing and accessible housing was a priority following the myPG consultation process.

"And at the city we are planning for a range of services. We are looking at things like safe, affordable and accessible housing to ensure that older adults are able to maintain their independence as their needs change," she said.

Another complex, the Hart Haven, was a $5.3 million project that consists of modular units and was funded by the federal and provincial governments. The province also directly manages the property.

"These properties do add to the mix of diverse housing options that help attract and retain residents to our community," said Green.

In addition to providing residents with a roof over their head, the 66 new units also foster a sense of community and a measure of security for the tenants' loved ones.

Jennifer McEachen moved into Elizabeth Fry Place in May, finally able to leave her family home at the age of 30.

"I've been trying very hard to find a place to live in Prince George," she said. "It's not easy to find something that's affordable."

McEachen's mother Janet said having her daughter leave home was bittersweet. "But it couldn't be more perfect," she added.

"She doesn't need to worry about transportation, she can go wherever she likes.

"And she's independent, which is what she's wanted for a long time."

Now located downtown, McEachen is able to use public transit where she used to have to rely on her family to get around since they are based a ways out of town.

The addition of Elizabeth Fry Place brings the society to 128 units of housing and with waiting lists continuing to grow, Heim said the board will have to begin discussions about where the next housing project will be and who will benefit from it.