People living with complex mental-health and addiction challenges in Prince George will be connected to health-care supports as the province adds complex-care housing services in the region.
Complex-care housing provides voluntary services to people who face overlapping mental-health and addiction challenges as well as other complex health issues, such as brain injuries. This innovative approach not only provides housing, but also offers additional services through Northern Health, such as counselling and psychotherapy, self-management skills, medication management, substance-use treatment, employment services and support with daily living.
“Every person in British Columbia deserves a home where they can feel safe and live with dignity,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “By making sure people are housed and provided compassionate health-care services, we’re helping members of our community stabilize their lives and build new connections to break the cycle of homelessness.”
Launching in June 2023, complex-care housing services will help as many as 10 people in Prince George. Outreach teams are already connecting with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and supporting their transition into housing where they will receive the support they need.
Complex-care housing services will be offered by a team of health-care providers that can include nurses, mental-health and substance-use clinicians, and psychologists to help people living at a supportive housing building operated by Connective Supportive Housing.
“We know housing is an important first step for many who face barriers in Prince George,” said Chris Kinch, senior director of northern and provincial initiatives, Connective Supportive Housing. “The additional supports under complex-care housing will complement Connective’s person-centred approach, providing individuals with housing while connecting them with other vital services in the community.”
“Northern Health is proud to work with the Province and our community partners to bring complex-care housing services to Prince George,” said Colleen Nyce, board chair, Northern Health. “The addition of these critical services will enable people to be better supported along their mental-health and well-being journey.”