45857 Tretheway Ave

The Project

BC Housing is actively addressing homelessness in Chilliwack with the ongoing construction of approximately 50 new supportive homes and a 40-bed shelter. Located at 45825, 45835, 45845, and 45855 Rowat Avenue, and 45865 Trethewey Avenue, this project is designed to offer safe, warm, and physically distanced accommodations for people experiencing homelessness. The development features self-contained studio homes with essential support services and a dedicated 40-bed shelter to provide immediate, safe refuge. Construction is underway, signaling a significant step forward in providing stable housing solutions for Chilliwack's vulnerable populations.

What is Supportive Housing?

Supportive housing offers individuals experiencing homelessness a pathway to leave the streets and shelter system behind in favor of stable, secure housing. These studio homes are equipped with on-site support services that help residents achieve and maintain housing stability. Services include tenant support workers, life skills training, employment assistance, and connections to community resources. Residents also have access to counseling, mental health, and substance-use services through Fraser Health. All tenants sign a program agreement and contribute rent, reinforcing their commitment to a better future.

Why Does Chilliwack Need Shelters and Supportive Housing?

The need for supportive housing in Chilliwack has never been greater. The 2020 Point in Time survey recorded 306 people experiencing homelessness, an increase of 85 individuals since the last count in 2017. The COVID-19 pandemic has only heightened the urgency to move people off the streets and out of shelters into safe, stable housing. These new facilities are a crucial part of Chilliwack’s efforts to provide for its vulnerable populations and reduce homelessness.

Who Would Live Here?

The new 40-bed shelter will cater to the ongoing demand for shelter spaces in Chilliwack, replacing The Portal Shelter on Yale Road. The supportive housing units are intended for people over the age of 19 who live in Chilliwack, have a history of homelessness, and need additional supports to maintain their housing. BC Housing and the Phoenix Society will work closely with Fraser Health and local service providers to ensure a thorough assessment process, placing the right mix of residents in these homes and providing them with the support they need to succeed.

How is the Shelter Different?

The primary goal of the shelter is to offer immediate, safe refuge for individuals in need. The shelter focuses on bringing people indoors, providing access to food, and ensuring they receive the necessary support to transition into stable housing. The combination of supportive housing and shelter facilities is a comprehensive approach designed to meet both the immediate and long-term needs of Chilliwack’s homeless population, fostering a healthier and more secure community for everyone.