COMOX VALLEY, B.C. – The Coalition to End Homelessness (a.k.a. The Coalition) wants your ideas on how to tackle the affordable housing issue in the Comox Valley.
For the rest of September, large ‘Ideas Wall’ posters will be posted at several different locations including the Courtenay Library and Town of Comox Recreation Centre.
People are encouraged to contribute their ideas to these walls, which encourage them to think about the types of housing they’ve lived in at different phases of their lives, what housing they are currently in, and what kind of housing is needed in the future, as well as what they feel is missing.
In addition, the Coalition website www.cvhousing.ca is providing a range of local affordable housing information, resources and stories for people to learn more about the affordable housing issues in the region.
According to a Coalition release, “the lack of affordable housing affects all populations and there is a need for a variety of housing types and prices to suit our diverse population.”
The Coalition works as a collective to plan, coordinate, recommend and implement community responses to homelessness.
The Coalition has partnered with the Whistler Centre for Sustainability and BC Housing to provide an opportunity for residents to learn how diverse housing types can benefit the Comox Valley, and to provide a forum for residents to express their concerns, suggest ideas and ask questions about their housing needs.
“We always hear from the community that they want the chance to be listened to when it comes to housing, and that affordable housing isn’t just for one type of person, that is crosses a diverse spectrum of people,” Coalition coordinator Andrea Cupelli said.
“The purpose of the ‘Affordable Housing Benefits Everyone’ campaign is to really listen to the community about affordable housing needs throughout all our varied phases of life. When people from all ages and stages of life are adequately housed, they are more able to fully engage in the community and feel a sense of belonging and well being.”
Drop-in events
On Oct. 17 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Cumberland Council Chambers, and on Oct. 18 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Lewis Centre Lobby, the Coalition will host drop-in conversation events with interactive and guided stations for visitors to learn about different housing types, and to express their thoughts, concerns, suggestions, and to ask questions.
Participants can also join in at a hosted table conversation to discuss their thoughts with others, responding to a series of questions to guide the conversations.
At the end of the campaign, a report will be provided to BC Housing and all levels of government to summarize what was heard, and to provide a set of recommendations on next steps so the Coalition can better advocate for affordable housing in the Comox Valley.
