Women and their children leaving gender-based violence in Terrace now have access to 22 second-stage homes with the opening of Ella’s Place.
“The homes at Ella’s Place are a welcome addition to the Terrace community so women and their children have a safe place to turn to in a crisis,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing. “These new units are part of the work we’re doing to provide people with a continuum of safe and stable accommodation with resources to support them to move into more permanent and long-term housing.”
The Province, through BC Housing, partnered with ‘Ksan Society to build Ella’s Place, a second-stage housing building. The three-storey wood-frame building has a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units. The development will include a secure green space and play area for families.
“Ella’s Place will provide women and their children with the necessary supports and stability to live safe and fulfilling lives within the community,” said Amanda Owens, executive director of ‘Ksan Society. “This type of temporary accommodation is one important step toward securing that stability and agency.”
Second-stage housing provides short-term accommodation with on-site supports for women, gender-diverse people, and their dependent children leaving violence. It is also open to women in recovery. The project will provide women the opportunity to seamlessly transition from temporary transition housing to second-stage homes. Residents can stay in second-stage housing for approximately six to 18 months before moving to more permanent housing in the community.
“Women and their children should never have to worry about finding a place to turn to when they leave an abusive situation,” said Nathan Cullen, MLA for Stikine. “Our government is proud to help open this building, the first of its kind in Terrace, to ensure women and children have secure, affordable housing, as well as support and programming to help them make decisions about their future.”
’Ksan Society will manage the building and provide supports to residents, such as crisis and emotional support, safety planning and life-skills training.
This project is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the Province has nearly 80,000 homes that have been delivered or are underway, including 375 homes in Terrace.
