We will build 35 units of multi-generational affordable housing for single women, women with children, female youth aging out of care, and senior women. Studio, 1-2-3 bedroom units will provide affordable housing and a place to call home. In addition to the 4-storey housing component, which will help address the growing affordable housing crisis on the coast, the purpose-built redevelopment accommodates crisis response, support and prevention programs. These resources will be accessible to all Sunshine Coast community members and will play a critical role in the health and wellbeing of our entire community.
The bottom two storeys will also provide a range of spaces tailored to the needs of community support programs, community gardens, pedestrian walkways and outdoor gathering spaces. Food security will be a strong focus with community gardens and the commercial kitchen, creating a hub where community members in need can access programs and services in spaces tailored to the needs of the support programs.
With our thoughtful design and community-centric approach, we will revitalize the neighbourhood at the end of Inlet Avenue into a safe and welcoming space for all. Built on land we own in downtown Sechelt, our thoughtful design and community approach will revitalize our neighbourhood into a safe and welcoming area for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When will this project be finished?
- How much will the project cost?
- How much have you raised so far?
- Does the recently announced federal grant of $3.1 million mean that the fundraising goal has been met?
- Do you accept donations of securities?
- Can I still donate to the 50 Women for SCCSS campaign?
- What type of housing is this?
- Who is the project team?
- Who will live in the residences?
- Why is the housing only for women?
- Will the tenants of the 35 units have access to specific support services?
- What happens to boys living there when they age out?
- How much rent will people pay?
- How many units will be provided?
- How can people apply for housing?
- How will prospective tenants be selected?
- What will happen to the Food Bank?
- What will happen to programming during construction?
- Will there be any water-saving features in the new building?
- What is the charitable status of SCCSS?
- I have a question. Who should I ask?
- How can I stay updated on this project?
Q. When will this project be finished?
Construction has begun. The estimated occupancy date is summer 2026. Subscribe to our e-newsletter, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram @sc.communityservices to follow the build’s progress.
Q. How much will the project cost?
The estimated cost of the Building Together project is $34 million. SCCSS has already secured 90% of the funds, leaving a remaining funding gap of $3.4 million. The ‘50 Women for SCCSS’ campaign aimed to raise $1.5 million to help close this gap.
Q. How much have you raised so far?
SCCSS has secured $31,422,000 in funding for this $34,000,000 project, including $1,946,089 in community donations through the Building Together and 50 Women for SCCSS campaigns. We are still working to close the remaining $2,578,000 funding gap.
Q. Does the recently announced federal grant of $3.1 million mean that the fundraising goal has been met?
No, we still need to close the funding gap. The federal funding was allocated some time ago and accounted for in our overall budget, but its public announcement was made in October 2024.
Q. Do you accept donations of securities?
Yes. Securities are a tax-efficient way to support us. It’s easy to do – and it could save you money at tax time. Our team can help you with donating stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. Please call 604-865-0551 for more information or download and complete our Securities Transfer form.
Q. Can I still donate to the 50 Women for SCCSS campaign?
The 50 Women for SCCSS campaign concluded on December 31, 2024. While active fundraising has ended, donations are still welcome in honour of one of the 50 Women fundraisers. The 50 Women website remains active, and all campaign funds continue to support the Building Together project.
Q. What type of housing is this?
This project provides long-term rental housing for women and women with children experiencing or at risk of violence that will be owned by BC Housing and operated by Sunshine Coast Community Services Society.
Q. Who is the project team?
The project team includes:
Sunshine Coast Community Services
Architect: Studio 531 Architects Inc.
Project Development: M’akola Development Services
Construction Management: Western Canadian Properties Group (WCPG)
Q. Who will live in the residences?
The Building Together project will provide secure, affordable rental housing for women and children at risk of or impacted by violence. This includes single women, women with children, older women, and young women aging out of foster care. The project prioritizes women who live on the Sunshine Coast.
Q. Why is the housing only for women?
The housing for this project is in response to the increasing number of women who are experiencing violence in intimate relationships. Women experiencing intimate partner violence are at risk of homelessness when they leave their abusive partners. A project of this type provides a pathway out of homelessness. It provides a stable, safe, and supportive place to regain independence, recover from trauma, and rebuild their lives after experiencing partned-based violence. A dedicated, supportive housing environment allows women to create a positive future for themselves and their families, leading to lasting, meaningful change.
SCCSS has a deep commitment to and expertise in serving women on the Sunshine Coast, particularly those facing domestic violence, homelessness, or financial challenges.
Q. Will the tenants of the 35 units have access to specific support services?
The tenants will have access to dedicated support services in addition to the general services available in the building. A staff member will provide tailored support to help tenants maintain successful tenancies and connect them to necessary services. This support role also helps foster a sense of community among tenants, encouraging connections and mutual support.
Q. What happens to boys living there when they age out?
We will work with families well in advance to help with any transitions needed as boys age out, ensuring they have the support and resources to move on successfully.
Q. How much rent will people pay?
Rent will be set at 30% of each tenant’s income, with maximum annual income limits set by the Housing Income Limits (HILs) established by BC Housing.
Q. How many units will by provided?
The project will develop 35 affordable units, including studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments. Some of these units will be accessible to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges.
Q. How can people apply for housing?
Application details will be available on our website 12 months before the building is ready for occupancy. You can subscribe to our newsletter via our website at sccss.ca to stay informed about the project’s progress. We’ll also share updates on social media and on our website when application details are finalized.
Q. How will prospective tenants be selected?
Community Services staff will select tenants. We will be prioritizing women and women with children who live on the Sunshine Coast, who are escaping violence and who are able to live independently. We are looking for tenants who are committed to building community and engaging with other residents. Staff will be available to support each tenant’s success and offer community-building programs in shared spaces.
Q. What will happen to the Food Bank?
The Food Bank will remain in operation at its current location until the main building is complete. Food Bank services will move into the new building and become part of our Community Services Food Program hub. This hub will include a commercial kitchen, and several new food programs, all designed to foster food health and a connected community.
Q. What will happen to programming during construction?
Our administrative and Foundry Sunshine Coast teams have relocated to the corner of Dolphin Street and Sunshine Coast Highway (5561 Wharf Avenue). Program delivery will continue throughout the construction period,
with services already relocated to other locations on the Coast. Many of our programs are outreach-based, and we expect minimal disruption to our services.
Q. Will there be any water-saving features in the new building?
Yes, the building design includes a rainwater harvesting system, with a 30,000-litre underground storage structure to capture rainwater. This water will be used for landscaping and food production in the community gardens, reducing water consumption and promoting sustainability.
Q. What is the charitable status of SCCSS?
Sunshine Coast Community Services Society is a registered charitable organization funded by government contracts, foundations, and community donations. It is overseen by a volunteer board of directors.
Charitable Registration Number:
10805 2630 RR0001
Q. I have a question. Who should I ask?
Please call 604-885-5881 or email info@sccss.ca.
Q. How can I stay updated on this project?
Stay informed by signing up to our e-newsletter.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at: sc.communityservices
