A new hub for immigrants and refugees has broken ground in Vancouver.
The “Welcome House” will be located on Victoria Drive and will feature 16 housing units with multiple bedrooms that can accommodate up to 138 beds.
BC Housing says the facility will be the first of its kind in the world, bringing together multiple agencies to address the immediate needs of immigrants and refugees arriving in B.C.
The development will be operated by ISSofBC, which assists 30,000 immigrants and refugees annually.
Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson says the facility will help a vulnerable group of people.
“Refugee claimants are among the highest population at-risk of homelessness in our city, and the ISSofBC Vancouver Welcome House will provide access to crucial services such as banking assistance, government outreach, language classes, medical care and housing settlement services.”
“This new project is a great example of how ISSofBC plays a key role in making Vancouver an even more open, compassionate, and accepting place for newcomers,” says Robertson.
The project will be complete by late 2016.
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