On December 30, 2022 the Port Alberni Shelter Society (PASS) received notice from BC Housing of their intention to terminate the existing PASS contracts to operate and provide essential services at Our Home (supportive housing and shelter) located at 3939 8th Avenue in Port Alberni, B.C. with effect from March 31, 2023.
This notice comes as a shock and surprise to the society’s board, staff, and residents. “We feel that this decision (by BC Housing) and the manner in which they have announced this change, does not consider the best interests of our clients, residents, and staff”, says PASS Board Chair, Myron Jespersen. “Further, we believe that this violates the mandates of BC Housing and PASS of maintaining a safe, secure, and respectful environment for our clients and residents – who represent some of the most vulnerable in our community”.
PASS has never witnessed or experienced such an action in all their years of service in the
community and is working hard to develop a responsible plan of transition that minimizes
disruption of the many important services they provide in the community. At the same time
PASS is reaching out to government officials to understand the rationale and to appeal the
decision of BC Housing. “I am extremely concerned for our residents and staff. Should a new operator be selected to operate Our Home, they will not have the confidence and trust with our residents that we have worked so hard to establish and nurture over the years”, says Myron.
PASS encourages residents to contact their local MLA office, in support of the society and
suggest re-evaluating the ambiguous, abrupt, and irrational decision that has been made by BC Housing.
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