NANAIMO — A new rapidly built housing complex is providing stability and cost certainty for young adults transitioning from care.
Indigenous services provider Kw’umet Lelum, backed by federal government funding, recently opened four small rental homes on Snuneymuxw First Nation (SFN) territory in Cedar near Duke Point for young adults between 19 and 26-years-old.
Ct ce’, which translates to Our Future, comprises of a pair of two bedroom units, a one bedroom home, and lodging dedicated for an on-site mentor.
Aiyana Fraser, 23, a SFN member who has rented in Nanaimo for the past several years, said now she’s better supported in a more sustainable living environment.
Aiyana Fraser enjoying her new living room at a Friday, Nov. 6 tour of her newly occupied home. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)
“Having a stable home that I can rely on and come back home to after working long hours just stabilizes my future,” Fraser told NanaimoNewsNOW during an opening celebration for the Ct ce’ project during a Friday, Nov. 6 torrential downpour.
Residents of Ct Ce’ can take advantage of Kw’umet Lelum programming.
SFN’s reserve no. 4 includes multiple services and amenities, including a health centre, elementary school and lacrosse box.
Living alongside her boyfriend, Fraser said she can now put more energy into launching her own business as an aesthetician.
“I have family that’s around this area, I’m grateful to be around them.”
Fraser’s monthly rent is $500.
“I’ve never had new appliances before,” she said excitedly.
View of the kitchen of a unit at Ct Ce’. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)
Local modular home provider Cueva Homes constructed the units in three months.
Bill Yoachim, Kw’umet Lelum executive director, said this project is centred on providing a better future for their young people.
“We want to set them up with a future of hope, a nice roof over their head, they can focus on their employment, they can focus on their education, whatever their journey is bringing them.”
Yoachim said creating housing opportunities for Indigenous youth essentially equates to re-patriating them.
“Nothing hits the heart more than that. These kids are back home living on their home land,” Yoachim said.
Kw’umet Lelum executive director Bill Yoachim addresses local dignitaries, reporters and SFN members at a Friday, Nov. 6 tour of newly opened Ct ce’. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)
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