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1. How are tenants selected for this modular housing project?

Candidates for the temporary modular housing are selected with a first priority on homeless individuals living in or in the vicinity of Maple Ridge. Residents are selected by Coast Mental Health and BC Housing, in collaboration with other community partners. People are assessed through a thoughtful assessment that helps determine the supports they need to remain housed and live a healthy, stable life. These tenants will also sign a Residential Tenancy Agreement along with a Good Neighbour Policy outlining appropriate community standards.

2. How many people will be housed from the Maple Ridge Tent City?

Tenants of Maple Ridge Modular include people who have been living at tent city, local shelters and others, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Maple Ridge.

3. How much does it cost tenants to live here?

The rental rate, plus utilities, for a suite is $375. Tenants pay the shelter portion allotted for a single individual on income assistance. The remainder of the rent is subsidized by BC Housing.

4. How long are tenants allowed to stay at this temporary modular site?

There is no minimum length of stay. Tenants are supported to transition to more permanent housing as soon as they are able to. The specific length of time will depend on housing needs in the community and timelines for the development of permanent supportive housing development elsewhere in Maple Ridge.

5. What type of support services will be provided to tenants?

Coast Mental Health is responsible for overseeing the tenant and management of the building. This includes 24/7 supports to tenants, including individualized support plans that include supports to access health services, as well as employment and opportunities for tenants to make connections with other community groups. Tenants will also receive two meals a day: buffet breakfast and dinner.

6. Will tenants be able use drugs on site?

This site utilizes a Housing First model (housing with wrap-around supports) that assist tenants along a recovery continuum. We strive to minimize the harms associated with drug use by providing education and resources for safer use, thus reducing harms for both the individual and the community. Non-stigmatizing and honest discussions occur along a recovery continuum that includes conversations and referral to detox, treatments, addictions counselling and other support services. 

Additionally, all our staff are trained in the administration of naloxone, a medication which reverses the effects of an opioid overdose.

7. How will Coast work with the community to keep neighbours informed?

Coast Mental Health has organized a Community Advisory Committee for this housing project. The purpose of the Committee is to build and maintain positive relations amongst the community, the building operators and the housing program partners. The kick-off meeting for the CAC occurred Tuesday, October 16, 2018. Committee representatives include four community members ( local residents, businesses and community organizations), Maple Ridge Police Department, Maple Ridge Fire Department, City of Maple Ridge, BC Housing, Fraser Health, Coast Mental Health and Open Door Church.

8. What type of staffing is provided by Coast?

A total of 14 staff members will provide rotating shifts 24/7, 365 days a year. Staff will include trained mental health workers available 24/7 a week, an on-site manager, home support staff, a seven day a week cook, as well as maintenance staff. Additionally, we provide 24/7 on-call support to our staff. 

Coast Mental Health will take possession of the 53 studio homes in Maple Ridge on Monday, October 15, 2018. Each home is about 150 sq. ft. and contains a private bathroom. Three of these homes will be wheel chair accessible. Pets are also welcome.

9. What type of experience does Coast have with supportive housing?

Coast Mental Health is an experienced non-profit housing providers, leading community based mental health services for more than 45 years. We opened our first housing project in 1974. Today, we operate more than 48 supported housing sites in neighbourhoods across Metro Vancouver, and we are one of the largest supported housing operators in Canada. 

With a client-focused and community-based approach, we provide a framework for community based mental health care by implementing the three essential pillars of sustained recovery: Housing, Support Services and Employment and Training. 

We work side-by-side with clients, donors, governments and partner agencies to build homes and communities where people living with multiple barriers can thrive.

10. How will this modular housing be managed?

Coast Mental Health is responsible for the management of the building, but they will receive funding from BC Housing to operate and provide support services for the next three years.

11. Why is ‘community-based support services’ important to housing the homeless?

Coast Mental Health believes that there are three pillars to sustained recovery: 1) Housing 2) Support Services and 3) Education and Training. Access to affordable housing and community-based support services provides the stability in people’s lives to assist them as they rebuild life skills and reconnect to their community.