“Losing one’s home to a fire is an unexpected and devastating experience,” said Kevin Falcon, Minister of Health Services. “Maintaining community supports and a level of self-sufficiency for these seniors is important.”
Twenty-seven individuals were displaced in the fire but some have insurance that will help them with housing options, and others will live with family or friends. However some have no other living options, have limited resources and want to stay in their community.
“We are pleased to be able to offer part of Cowichan Lodge as a temporary home for the Kiwanis Pavilion seniors,” said Norm Peters, VIHA’s Acting Director for Residential and Contracted Services.
Norm Cauchie, VP Duncan Kiwanis Village Society says that “VIHA came to the rescue and helped people with no other options. When push came to shove, VIHA came through.”
Some of the individuals who lost their homes have been housed temporarily in a hotel under Provincial Emergency Services funding that will soon run out.
Details are currently being arranged between VIHA, Kiwanis and other agencies to help the individuals and to provide the temporary housing at Cowichan Lodge. Kiwanis will continue to provide supports such as meals and cleaning.
VIHA has confirmed that people will be moving in today, Monday, March 1st 2010 and will have their first meal there this evening. It is unknown how long they may need to remain, but the situation will be assessed as it progresses and as more details are known about the damage to the Kiwanis building and whether it will be repaired or rebuilt.
VIHA has made a commitment to the community that the future use of Cowichan Lodge will be decided upon through a community stakeholder engagement process, and that is currently underway.
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Media Contact:
Val Wilson
VIHA Communications
250-739-6303