Progress is coming along for a new women’s recovery centre in View Royal that is expected to add 20 beds for women who are unhoused, have mental health concerns, and those with addiction issues.
On Wednesday, May 22, representatives from Our Place, who aims to support the city’s vulnerable populations, allowed media to tour the New Roads Recovery Centre, which is currently undergoing renovations for a separate wing for women.
“It’s pretty eye opening because I haven’t seen it like day to day, and so to see it kind of deconstructed the way it is today is exciting,” said Cheryl Diebel, director of the recovery centre. “We’re just one step closer to getting a women’s program that is long term for women on the island, and we don’t have that anywhere on the island and so it’s very exciting.”
The new wing will include 20 beds, two of which will be accessible, a community kitchen and a shared living space, and there will be access to a gymnasium and possible a garden and other outdoor activities.
Diebel said they will start hiring for key positions and start the intake process before it opens, which is expected to be in the fall.
“In terms of priority of intake, it will depend on a case by case and reviewing their situation,” said Diebel. “Some people may be able to come in quicker than others, in some people might take longer. For example, if a woman is incarcerated in the social service system, it may take longer to coordinate the time in front of a judge.”
Read More: ‘Help is coming’ for women on Vancouver Island seeking long-term recovery services