A group studying homelessness in the Valley is looking for local money to invest in housing solutions.
Patty Edwards from the Alberni Valley Community Stakeholders Initiative asked regional district directors to increase taxes through a referendum.
She says a small increase of two cents per $1000 taxable value has been used in other areas to raise funds for homelessness solutions
Edwards said there is $40 Billion in the National Housing Strategy and $6.6 Billion in the BC Housing fund that is available for local governments who are also willing to contribute.
She said there are very few options for homeless people in Port Alberni, and with the deteriorating condition of the current shelter, they’re expecting an announcement from the provincial government regarding a modular housing plan to replace the shelter.
Regional District Directors said there is not enough time to include a referendum in the October 20th local elections.
Local leaders will be discussing the issue in greater detail this afternoon at a Regional Housing Gathering organized by the Alberni – Clayoquot Health Network.