In the 2014 civic elections, a (non-binding) opinion question was included on the ballot, asking residents how much annual property tax they would be willing to pay to reduce homelessness. (Residents of the City of Courtenay, Town of Cumberland and the three electoral areas of the CVRD voted.)
More than 70 per cent of voters indicated they would pay at least $5 on their taxes to support initiatives to help address homelessness.
One year later, a referendum was held, to answer the following question:
“Are you in favour of the Comox Valley Regional District adopting Bylaw No. 389 being “Comox Valley Homelessness Supports Service Establishment Bylaw No. 389, 2015″ to establish a service that would provide funds to one or more local nongovernmental organizations based on a board approved five-year action plan to address homelessness in the Comox Valley? Yes or No.”
Fifty-three per cent of votes cast were in favour.
Since the 2015 homelessness supports service referendum passed in the Comox Valley, an annual tax requisition has generated $495,000 in the ensuing three years. Participating jurisdictions are Courtenay, Cumberland, Area A (excluding Denman and Hornby Islands), and Areas B and C. Comox has established a $30,000/year fund to help address homelessness. Late last year, the regional district also received a $250,000 contribution from Kensington Island Properties. From this, the CVRD has provided $700,000 in grants towards a number of projects, with direction from the Comox Valley Coalition to End Homelessness.
In 2016, $80,000 helped the Comox Valley Transition Society construct two units of transitional housing at Amethyst House — a recovery house for women with substance use issues. Another $70,000 went towards four units of subsidized housing for CVTS.
In 2017, $90,000 was allocated to subsidized housing (two condos) for the Dawn to Dawn Action on Homelessness Society, and $60,000 supported the 34-unit Braidwood affordable housing project, which is due to house tenants by February.
This year, $150,000 has been earmarked for 10 units of transitional housing for youth at ‘The Station’ for the John Howard Society; $155,000 for five units of transitional housing at Amethyst House; $50,000 for Braidwood; and $45,000 for two homes under an affordable home ownership model for Habitat for Humanity.
The coalition has created a five-year plan to build housing with supports, and to increase public awareness. As plans change year by year, member agencies decide by consensus where funds should be spent.
In 2016, the coalition conducted a Point in Time count that surveyed 157 homeless individuals, 70 of whom were identified as ‘absolute’ and 87 ‘hidden.’ More than half were women.
The group conducted another count on March 7, with funding from the provincial government. A full report is expected this fall. Though the numbers are similar, the latest count indicates that seniors’ homelessness is on the rise.
“We can’t say exactly how many people are experiencing homelessness in the Comox Valley,” said Andrea Cupelli, coalition co-ordinator. “We know that many in our community are experiencing hidden homelessness and are working families who are couch surfing, staying in RVs, with family or friends, and trying to find affordable places to live. The housing crunch is affecting people from all walks of life in our community.”
The coalition is accepting proposals from member agencies for next year’s funding. It will reach consensus decision on those by December.
Affordable Housing Benefits All Campaign
The coalition is campaigning with the Whistler Centre for Sustainability and BC Housing to help people learn how diverse housing types can benefit the community.
Throughout September, several large ‘Ideas Wall’ posters have been displayed at the Courtenay Library, Comox Recreation Centre and other locations. The public is encouraged to contribute ideas about types of housing they’ve lived in, what they live in at present, and the type of housing needed in the future.
The coalition will host drop-in conversation events Oct. 17 from 5-7 p.m. at Cumberland council chambers, and Oct. 18 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the Lewis Centre lobby. There will be interactive and guided stations detailing different housing types. People can express thoughts, concerns, suggestions and ask questions. Participants can also join a hosted table conversation.
At the end of the campaign, a report will be provided to BC Housing and all levels of government to summarize what was heard. The coalition will also provide a set of recommendations on next steps so it can better advocate for affordable housing in the Comox Valley.
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