People living with complex mental health and addiction challenges in Terrace now have access to more health care supports as the Province adds complex care housing services for up to 10 people in the region.
Complex care housing provides voluntary services to people who face overlapping mental health and addiction challenges and other complex health issues, such as brain injuries who are at risk of eviction and homelessness.
“When people reach out for mental health or addiction support, it’s important that those supports are available right in their community,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “By bringing complex care housing services to Terrace we’re working to close gaps in the system and making sure more people get the help they need close to home.”
Provided by Northern Health, these services will reach people living at Sonder House -- operated by Ksan Society, as well as those living in low-income housing or in market rentals.
“Ksan Society is thrilled by the addition of Complex Care at Sonder House. The addition of team-based primary care and overdose prevention and education represents an improvement in service provision specific to the needs of our community and will make a significant impact in our work to prevent homelessness,” said Elaine McGillivray, Director of Housing and Development. “The demand for housing and support services has increased both in number of individuals accessing support, and in complexity of care required. Complex Care will further strengthen the safety nets and support networks that our health and support workers uphold on our region.”
People receiving complex care housing services will have access to comprehensive, person-centred supports, including:
- Psychiatric/psychological assessments and treatment
- Medication and prescription management
- Concurrent substance use disorder services
- Support with daily living activities
- Peer supports
- Work-related supports; and
- Housing and landlord support.
“Northern Health is grateful for the investment in mental health and substance use services in the Northwest. We also value the community partnerships that make delivery of these critical services possible,” said Northern Health Board Chair Colleen Nyce. “The addition of these services will enable people to be better supported along their mental health and wellbeing journey.”
Budget 2022 invested $164 million over three years to open 500 complex care housing spaces for people across the province. Budget 2023 builds on that investment by committing an additional $266 million to fund these services, including $169 million in capital funding to build new homes.
Quick facts:
- Since January 2022, the Province has announced services for 447 complex care clients in communities throughout the province.
- Complex care housing services have been announced in Abbotsford, Bella Coola, Chilliwack, Kamloops, Kelowna, Langley, Maple Ridge, Nanaimo, New Westminster and the Tri-Cities, Powell River, Prince George, Sunshine Coast, Surrey, Terrace, Vancouver and Victoria.
- As of June 1, 2023, complex care housing services are now in place for up to 256 people in BC.
Learn more:
- Learn about complex care housing
- A Pathway to Hope Roadmap
- A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in BC is available online
- Learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for British Columbians