Victoria housing helping former tent city campers, PHS says

The director of a new supportive housing facility in downtown Victoria admits there have been problems in the first weeks after dozens of former tent city residents moved in but insists things are improving.

Andy Bond, director of housing for PHS Community Services Society, was responding to complaints from neighbours, as well as some of the former campers now living at 844 Johnson St.

"There have been challenges, but I don't believe they were entirely unexpected in the circumstance," Bond told Robyn Burns, the host of CBC Radio's All Points West.

"I do think it's important to take a step back and look at the progress that has been made."

• Former tent city campers lament lack of services in new digs
• Victoria music school says former tent city residents have few supports
• Victoria's tent city solution creating headaches

Loitering, open drug use and verbal assaults

Jane McGregor Butler, the CEO of the nearby Victoria Conservatory of Music said students of the music school felt intimidated by an increase in loitering, open drug use and verbal assaults.

In an earlier interview, Butler said the new housing facility was lacking support services that had been promised, such as food services, counselling and programs to give residents something to do during the day.

Bond rejected a number of McGregor's complaints. He said the kitchen is now up and running and is employing residents.

"We do have four mental health care workers on staff, 24 hours a day, he said. 

"Taking that population and moving them very quickly all into one building, there are lots of issues with mental health and addictions that are going to take time to address. But I do think a supportive housing environment is what's needed to help address those issues."

He says there are weekly visits by Dr. Christy Sutherland, an addictions medicine specialist and PHS medical director. In addition, a full-time licensed practical nurse provides treatments such as wound care and social support.

Bond cited positive results: one resident has already been referred for detox treatment. Another has moved to more independent housing.

Bond also responded to complaints PHS has not delivered on what one resident described as "inducements" for the tent city campers to move to the Johnson Street building, including storage space, internet, cable and TVs.

He said there's plenty of storage in the basement and cable service is available for anyone with a television, but PHS is not funded to provided TVs for residents.

"My sense from being there and speaking with people is the vast majority are doing much, much better than they were in the tent city," Bond said.

'Limited responsibility' for tenants in public

"This isn't a set treatment centre or an institution or a jail where we are able to be responsible for what people do," Bond said. "It's housing. There are supports in place, but what people do when they are out in public and leaving the building, we have limited responsibility for."

Bond said PHS is working closely with the Victoria Police Department on any crime issues. A private security company has been hired to patrol outside the building.

Meanwhile, he said they will continue to address problems raised at neighbourhood meetings, including one this week.

He said in response to the first community meeting, Sept. 7, they have already erected fencing on one side of the building and provided contact numbers to reach PHS staff.  

With files from All Points West.

To listen to the interview on CBC Radio's All Points West, click: Supportive Housing for tent city campers working, director says