THE HOUSE WILL HOUSE CRISIS HELP

The House in Port Hardy will house those in crisis because of mental
illness or addiction problems.

"The House will provide short-term transitional housing for adults, and
offer crisis stabilization in a safe environment," says Janine Lacasse,
mental health and addictions program coordinator for the Vancouver Island
Health Authority (VIHA) in Port Hardy.

Lacasse and her staff will work closely with two other community service
organizations to provide the new service.

The Community Friendship Circle Society will provide the downtown
residence, known as The House, to accommodate six clients at a time. The
House was renovated last year.

"The House is a great facility that will meet an important need in our
community," says Rob Giblak, chair of the society's board of directors.
"Supportive housing plays a key role in assisting clients to transition to
greater independence in the community."

The North Island Crisis and Counselling Centre will provide residential
staff for The House around the clock.

They will prepare meals, maintain the home and provide day-to-day living
support.

The purpose of the facility is to optimize clients' health and help them
reconnect with their community.

The program began in November through funding from VIHA's $6.47-million
mental health renewal initiative funded by the provincial government.