Prince George, B.C.-  It cost $8.1 million dollars and has taken several years to complete, but today, the Friendship Lodge was officially opened.

The three storey facility on Queensway in Prince George is a transitional home for those who were homeless or at risk of homelessness and who have addictions or mental health issues.

Already filled to capacity (30 residents) Friendship Lodge has a waiting list for future tenants.

At the official opening, the impact of this facility was spelled out by “Nicki” a resident who, through tears, told all in attendance how she started using drugs at the age of 13, had a daughter at the age of 18, and within months of her daughter’s birth, was back on drugs. “I was filled with shame.” Nicki told the packed “Four Corners” common room at the new Friendship Lodge. “I woke up in an abandoned trailer with no windows, was stealing power from the neighbours, and I was in an abusive relationship.” Nicki talked about going to detox, and spending time at Phoenix house, but needed a more stable place to live. “I heard about Friendship Lodge and found an application form and here I am.” Nicki says she is clean now, and praises Friendship Lodge for “Being an amazing template of what can be. It gives people back their dignity, I feel so fortunate o be here”

She says the fellow residents share their stories, their tears, and some laughter, and she is now able to focus on getting her life back together and completing school, something she says she couldn’t have done without living in the safe, stable environment provided by Friendship Lodge.

The Lodge was made possible through a $2 million dollar grant from Canada Mortgage and Housing, and the Province provided a $6.1 million dollar, 35 year mortgage  to the Native Friendship Centre which operates the facility.

(at right, top photo of typical  one bedroom unit, bottom photo  is of wheelchair access unit)

 

The Lodge has been home to 30 residents since June, providing 29 self contained one bedroom units, four of which are designed for residents in wheelchairs. There is also a caretakers unit, residents lounge, laundry facilities on each floor, a central courtyard, and the Four Corners common room that has a full kitchen. Residents pay rent the level of which is geared to their income. At the moment, the rent being paid ranges between $300 to $375 a month.

The length of stay at Friendship Lodge will be determined on a case by case basis says Barb Ward Burkitt, the Executive Director of the Native Friendship Centre in Prince George. “We have already had two who have moved out, one went back to a transition house, another moved back to a home community.”

The construction of Friendship Lodge was not without controversy. Built on property that was home to the former Backpacker motel, neighbours raised concerns about building such a facility in an area that was already facing challenges of prostitution and drugs. Ward Burkitt says Friendship Lodge continues to work with its neighbours, who helped shape the policies for the facility “Our doors are open, if you see there are ways we are not being a good neighbour call us, we need to know how we can step up our efforts to be a good neighbour.”