BC Housing has awarded Nelson CARES Society the operating contract for a new supportive housing complex at 45 Government Rd. in Nelson.
The addition of 43 supportive homes to the community will provide a pathway to supports and stable housing for people experiencing homelessness. Tenants will benefit from a comprehensive range of non-clinical supports for adults, seniors, and people with diverse abilities including life skills training alongside connections to healthcare, mental health, and substance-use services.
Nelson CARES Society, Housing Director, Joanne Motta said, “the 45 Government Road building is an ideal location to provide a supportive housing program that will best serve Nelson’s unique needs. We look forward to working with BC Housing, the City of Nelson and the community overall to provide another successful supportive housing program.”
Nelson CARES has been operating a supportive housing project at the North Shore Inn, since 2020. In 2022 BC Housing purchased the building and the two have experienced a close and collaborative partnership. Today, twenty-eight units of low-barrier housing with 24/7 support staff have reduced the number of people in the city experiencing homelessness and has created a stable pathway for some residents to continue along the housing continuum. For example, with the support of Nelson CARES staff, a North Shore Inn tenant was able to access the SAFER subsidy program, which helps make rent more affordable for seniors in BC, and successfully moved into independent housing.
Nelson CARES Society Executive Director, Sarah Magee, shares, “We very much look forward to taking on the operation of this building and adding to the already vital housing and support services that we provide the community.”
Initially built in 2019, the 30,000-square-foot building was rezoned in 2023 to mixed residential and commercial use. BC Housing will take ownership of the four-storey building once construction is complete, which is expected in summer 2026.
“We know people experiencing homelessness benefit from homes with access to life skills training and other supports,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “These homes will greatly impact the Nelson community by providing people with connection and services to help them stabilize their lives. Working with our housing partners, we will continue bringing people indoors, keeping people safe and making our communities stronger.”
“Having safe and supportive places to go when you’re struggling is essential, which is why we’re investing in supportive housing in Nelson and throughout B.C.” said Brittny Anderson, MLA for Kootenay Central. “These homes are going to help many people experiencing homelessness receive the support that they need and deserve to find stability. I am grateful to see so many partners working together to take care of people.”
“We are pleased that 45 Government Road will be managed by a trusted local organization with deep roots in Nelson,” says City of Nelson Mayor, Janice Morrison. “We look forward to this project having a positive impact on the community.”
The Nelson CARES Society Board and staff are excited about the opportunity to collaborate with BC Housing and the Nelson community. This collaborative effort is crucial to creating a supportive housing facility that best meets the specific needs of the City.
