HOUSING MUCH NEEDED, SAYS COALITION

A local drug coalition applauds Vancouver Island Health Authority's
intent to provide 30 new housing units in Victoria for people with
mental health illnesses and addictions.

"It is good news and housing has certainly been identified as a
need," said Steve McDougall, spokesperson for Voices of Substance,
non-profit group working on harm-reduction solutions for substance users.

The promise includes a combination of affordable housing and
intensive support for people with mental health illnesses and addictions.

"It's got a combination of independence and intensive care that we
haven't had up to now," said Alan Campbell, director of mental health
and addiction services.

The clients eligible for this type of housing will have already
undergone detox and treatment and be looking to make the next step in
their recovery. They will receive continuous, 24-hour on-site clinical support.

"They're just people that would like to have a life just like
everybody else and very often they haven't had that opportunity,"
Campbell said. "This is a way of making it possible for people to
have their own place and have the support available."

McDougall, a former addict, acknowledged the significance of "home."

"It does elevate your self-esteem and that's a really important piece
- - feeling like it's worth it for you to live," he said. His one
reservation about the announcement was it doesn't address the
screaming need for more detox beds and treatment facilities - the
facilities people need before they're ready for this type of housing.

Campbell agreed it doesn't take care of everybody in need, but said
it's one step forward. The health authority issued a Request for
Proposals Tuesday from property owners or developers wanting to lease
suitable apartment buildings.

In total, VIHA has promised to secure 184 housing units across
Vancouver Island during 2006/2007. The apartments are part of VIHA's
plan to build 313 housing units over the next five years. A total of
$3.3 million will be spent annually to cover housing and health service costs.