VICTORIA – Low-income families and individuals will benefit from 120 new affordable homes opening in Langford as part of the Regional Housing First Program (RHFP). Properties funded by the RHFP provide a mix of rental options, including units for people experiencing homelessness who can live independently with supports.
Hockley House is a six-storey rental building on Hockley Avenue in downtown Langford comprised of studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites. The property includes 12 accessible units and 24 units renting at the current provincial income assistance rate of $375/month.
Residents will begin moving into their new homes in early April. To ensure resident safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, move-in dates and times are staggered so residents have minimal contact with each other in hallways and elevators.
Hockley House is under management of the Capital Region Housing Corporation (CRHC), the largest non-profit housing provider on Vancouver Island. Tenancy applications for the affordable units are currently being accepted.
“The City of Langford continues to support a range of housing options within our community. It is encouraging that qualifying residents of Hockley House will be able to easily access all the amenities that downtown Langford has to offer,” said Stewart Young, Mayor of the City of Langford.
The Regional Housing First Program is an equal partnership agreement between the CRD, the Government of BC through BC Housing, and the federal government though the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The equal partnership will see a direct investment of $120 million to create up to 2,000 units of affordable housing as part of the $600 million program, including 400 units renting at the current provincial income assistance rate to address the needs of people experiencing homelessness on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
“With Hockley House, the CRHC marks its third building opening under the RHFP in less than a year, adding a total of 402 units of housing at a time when our region needs it the most. Through the collaboration of local, Provincial and Federal partners we are rising to the occasion and delivering on our commitments,” said Colin Plant, CRD Board Chair.
The Regional Housing First Program currently includes nine projects that are in progress or complete:
- Langford – 3 projects (Hockley, Millstream Ridge, Spencer)
- View Royal – 1 project (West Park)
- Salt Spring Island – 1 project (Croftonbrook)
- Sooke – 2 projects (Drennan and Charters)
- Victoria – 2 projects (Cedar Grove, Michigan)
With a RHFP contribution of $7.2 million for Hockley House, combined with the other eight projects, the allocated amount to date is $66.7 million of the $120 million total.
The Capital Region Housing Corporation will operate Hockley House. Tenancy applications are currently being accepted. Rental information can be found at www.capitalregionhousing.ca.
