The Dze L K'ant Friendship Centre continues to add services within the Houston community - this time by receiving approval for a 36-unit housing project through its subsidiary, the Dze L' Kant Housing Society.
Announced Sept. 10, an affordable, apartment-style project is slated for 3553 11th St. on land leased from the District of Houston.
Rents will be geared to income and units available for Indigenous families, Elders and individuals through financing approved by the provincial BC Housing agency.
""Dze L K’ant has undertaken extensive community engagement work to understand the unique housing needs of urban Indigenous people and has been actively pursuing funding to develop new affordable and culturally safe homes," a Sept. 10 statement from the society indicated.
This is the second Dze L' Kant housing project this year to be given approval by BC Housing. The first was in Smithers and is also 36 units.
"We are thrilled to have been selected by the province, through BC Housing, to deliver urgently needed homes in our community,” said Annette Morgan, the Dze L K’ant Housing Society's executive director.
Speaking on behalf of the District of Houston, mayor Shane Brienen welcomed the news.
"This development will provide much-needed homes for Indigenous families, elders, and individuals in our community. We are pleased to see this project move forward and are committed to supporting it every step of the way," he said.
Costs have yet to be determined. While it has been given a green light, the Houston project is still subject to approvals.
Details continue to be refined for a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom units to accommodate single people as well as families of several generations.
"The design will incorporate accessible and adaptable homes for Elders and people living with disabilities, a community gathering space, on-site parking and a children’s play area. The project is located within close proximity to downtown amenities, including the Houston Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre, allowing for a high level of supports and wraparound services for tenants," the Dze L K'ant release continued.
The housing society added it wants to move efficiently toward a construction start, although a date has yet to be determined.
A District of Houston study, commissioned late last year through a provincial grant, has indicated there is a shortage of affordable, adequate and safe housing within the community.
It confirms an earlier study, also commissioned by the District, that the community lacks a range of housing options.
This project is also the third significant one to be undertaken by Dze L K'ant within the past several years. It has secured the financing for a replacement administrative and services building and will also build a daycare centre. The latter is to be built adjacent to the housing project on 11th St. and also on land leased from the District of Houston.
