could come, meet new people, get information and education on different topics. Sometimes a guest speaker would be brought in, for example, the local RCMP sergeant would be invited to come and talk about drug use and what kind of drugs were “popular” at that time or fish and wildlife would come talk about looking after our river and wildlife in the area. I would love to see a Community Café here. What challenges did you face in trying to make a life for yourself here? Jacqui • So far I haven’t faced any. Again I am fortunate to have family here and over the years of visiting have made many friends too. But finding a place to have coffee after 6 pm is proving challenging.
tawsbikegarage.com
Your E-Bike Headquarters On site Pro Mechanic Kona • Santa Cruz • Norco Parts • Gear • Swag
Which talent or superpower would you most like? Jacqui • If I could have any superpower it would be to be able to fly. As we all know that’s never going to happen, I’d be happy enough to dance and sing like a superstar!
Are you ready for hockey season? Get geared up at Taws!
With Stuart Clark, executive director of the Powell River Employment Program
What are Powell River’s best assets? Jacqui • It’s people! People make the community. My office is in the CRC and I have to say that it is one of Powell River’s best assets – the CRC, not my office! Having a place where people can go and just be, with no judgement or expectations other than being kind and respectful, where they can be fed, have their taxes done, be connected to other community resources and many more services is fabulous. This one stop shop is what many communities I have worked in hope to have. Obviously the scenery is spectacular, that goes without saying. What is your greatest extravagance? Jacqui • Shoes! LOL! Travel is something I love to do.
Thanks for home! shopping at
20 questions about our new homes for homeless people
Stuart Clark 1. Where and what is the Modular Housing project? 40 new studio homes with support services and 24hour staff on-site, at 4910 Joyce Avenue (near Alberni Street) 2. When does it open? In the next few months. Delays are all constructionrelated. We expect to start moving people in by midNovember 3. Who gets to live there? Powell River residents (have been here at least one year) who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and require supports to maintain their housing. 4. How were the new residents chosen? A local committee, led by staff at BC Housing and PREP, chose who will live there. We prioritized those who are most in need, to reduce homelessness in qathet Regional District. 5. Are these people who are coming here from out of town? These new homes are for Powell River residents only. We received 81 applications for the 40 homes, and every applicant is local to the area, many whom have grown up here. 6. Who paid for the project? The Province paid for the construction, and will provide operating funding.
4597 Marine Ave • 604-485-2555 taws@tawsonline.com www.tawsonline.com
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• october 2019 • prliving.ca
7. Which agencies are involved? PREP in partnership with Lifecycle Housing, two longstanding local non-profits, will be running the program on behalf of BC Housing, with support from the Powell River Regional Hospital District, Vancouver Coastal Health, the City of Powell River and others. 20
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8. How much did it cost? The capital budget was approximately $10 million. The annual operating budget will be $1 million.
