Everyone is Cowichan can agree that we'd like to see fewer unhoused people in our towns, villages and cities.
Especially those without homes would themselves like for their situation to change for the better with four walls and a roof over their heads.
Those considered "homeless" range from people literally sleeping on the streets, sidewalks and in the bush, to those couch surfing with friends, family and acquaintances, and those living in cars, trucks, vans and RVs that they move around from free spot to free spot (we don't include those living van or RV life because they love it and have chosen it, but rather those who don't have another choice).
Still others stay in abusive or undesirable relationships and circumstances because they have no other housing options available.
The most visible, of course, are those living on the streets.
The types of housing needed also range from supportive housing for those with mental health and addictions problems who need some level of supervision, to homes that are just affordable for those with low income.
Rent is out of reach for far too many, and even some who manage to scrape by have to choose between rent, food and things like medications. These folks can include people you'd never guess were struggling — people with jobs, or who are retired, but with a low fixed income.
In Duncan, a long-awaited supportive housing development on White Road should be opening in the coming months, which will accommodate 50 or so residents.
It's a great start. Notice we said start. We need a lot more where that came from.
Housing first, as a strategy to tackle social problems, works. Give people some stability and basic comfort and they can begin to rebuild their lives. When they have to worry constantly about the basics they have no capacity for anything else.
In the meantime, things like the Dignity Project at Neighbourhood House in Chemainus can make a profound difference in people's lives by offering something that most of us take for granted.
Neighbourhood House plans to install a wheelchair accessible shower and a commercial washer and dryer so that people can have access to basic hygiene facilities at no cost.
"A shower and clean clothes can mean the difference between being excluded or being able to participate in community life," said CNHA President Kathy Asp.
What Neighbourhood House will be offering is somewhere they can go to give themselves a chance to better their circumstances.
Both the visible and invisible unhoused need our help. Helping them benefits our entire community. More subdivisions by private developers are not the answer. This is not their demographic. We need purpose-built, government funded affordable housing, of all types. And more projects that offer people dignity while we wait.
