The Comox Rotary Club and the Dawn to Dawn Action on Homelessness Society unveiled a new shipping container unit to kick off the WeCanShelter project.
The organizations are spearheading the project to help address the need for supportive housing in the Comox Valley.
The first converted shipping container was showcased at Maple Pool Campground today.
A short ribbon-cutting ceremony took place before the door was opened to let the public see what is inside.
A cheque was also presented by the Women Who Care who donated just over $14,000 to the project.
Rotary club president Charlene Davis says it’s great to see the support from the community, in all forms.
“Everywhere we turn people were constantly offering to help building materials, and especially money which absolutely blew me away,” said Davis.
“This project can’t happen without those three kinds of donations, nothing happens without the money a lot of fewer units will get build is fewer people donate their building materials, and nothing at all happens as well without all the hard work.”
The units cost around $20,000 each and include a shower, toilet, sink, heat, running hot water, a bedroom area, and a place to put a TV and more living space. There will also be a small kitchen, a single induction burner, and a fridge.
Davis added that she is very proud of all parties involved in the project.
“This is a really special day for Comox Rotary and Dawn to Dawn as well, and for the maple pool group because we’ve accomplished something that we think is pretty special.
“We produced something I think we can be very proud of, and its a lovely place to live.”
The house was dedicated to Tom Grant, who started Dawn to Dawn ten years ago.
Volunteers plan to convert three more of these containers this year and to continue into the future.
A total of $44,000 has been raised for the project thus far: $14,000 by Women Who Care, $13,000 from the Rotary club, and $11,000 from a Sept. 8th fundraiser at the Roy’s Towne Pub.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for the project as well to help raise more money to cover the costs of future homes.
