VIHA TARGETING 35 MORE MENTAL-HEALTH AND ADDICTIONS FLATS IN DUNCAN

Thirty-five more locally rented apartments are on deck for valley
folks facing mental-health and addictions issues, health authority
brass said Friday.

The Vancouver Island Health Authority has issued a fair-bid notice of
intent to rent 35 suites for round-the-clock staffed care near
Duncan's new Warmland House shelter facility on Lewis Street.

That NOI closes Jan. 24.

Warmland's 24 suites are now home to people struggling with
mental-health and addictions problems, said Christian Martens of
Canadian Mental Health Cowichan

VIHA is now considering renting 35 flats in Caulfield Place, a
renovated building at 2546 Alexander St.

Given no other bidders or issues tied to the NOI, VIHA will proceed
with the project, VIHA leaders said.

"People would be provided housing support for three to 30 months,"
said VIHA's Suzanne Germain.

Clients' shelter allowance would pay their rent in Caulfield or
another building contracted by VIHA.

"Some may transition from Warmland House to this kind of housing that
allows them to be more independent.

"It's a continuum of recovery," Germain said. "The goal is
reintegration into society."

But Martens is chuffed, no matter which building VIHA rents.

"It's a fantastic step forward for services in the Cowichan Valley."

VIHA would work with local staff input to choose who gets the 35 apartments.

"Between Warmland House and this project, we're starting to get
services working in conjunction at various levels of need to support
people becoming independent in the community, and to get the
treatment they need.

"The fabulous thing is this is going to be a reality."

Right, signaled VIHA boss Howard Waldner.

"We have identified a clear need for more supportive and transitional housing.

"Despite these fiscally challenging times, VIHA has made the Cowichan
Valley a priority for increased and improved services, particularly
in mental health and addictions programs."

Caulfield Place or another block would offer moderate-intensity
supportive housing for folks needing transitional help back into the
mainstream, and for others needing help building independent-living
skills, VIHA said.

Cowichan's moderate-intensity facility could serve psychiatric
patients ready for discharge, addictions clients able to live in a
moderately supported environment, and former Warmland House residents
ready to live in an alcohol- and drug-free environment, VIHA said.