A new centre in Chilliwack will offer onsite health services and supportive housing to homeless people and those at risk of homelessness.

The Chilliwack Health and Housing Centre includes a 22 unit supportive housing section called the Annis Residences. These residences are managed and operated by the Pacific Community Resources Society (PCRS). The centre also includes a health contact centre where services will be offered by Fraser Health and PCRS. The health and housing centre is located in a two-storey former hotel on Chilliwack's Hocking Avenue.

In June, renovations on the building, including safety upgrades and the addition of kitchenettes to suites to create studio units were completed. Residents began moving into supportive housing units in September in a phased approach.

"A tremendous amount of time and effort by so many has gone into taking this centre from vision to reality. We are extremely pleased that the day has come for this development to open its doors and serve those most at risk in our community. I, for one, can't wait to see the difference this centre will make to our city," said Chilliwack's Mayor Sharon Gaetz.

The B.C. government contributed more than $3.5 million toward the centre's capital costs and about $230,000 in annual operation funding for the residential component.

"Our government believes that with strong partnerships we can create increased supportive housing options for people who are homeless or at risk, not only in our community but across the province. The Chilliwack Health and Housing Contact Centre is an excellent example of this, providing our community's most vulnerable with 22 apartments of supportive housing and health services in one centralized location," said John Martin, MLA Chilliwack.

The City of Chilliwack contributed $500,000 toward the project. The Real Estate Foundation of B.C. gave $50,000 toward the centre, while the Pacific Community Resource Society gave $50,000 in equity.