A brand new building to replace The Mods is set to open in the middle of March.
BC Housing contractors are putting the finishing touches on the third supportive housing complex for Maple Ridge's street population. The new 52-unit, four-storey building at 11695 Fraser St. will replace the Royal Crescent modular housing complex, locally nicknamed The Mods.
The Royal Crescent site will be re-developed for 98 units of affordable housing for seniors.
Coast Mental Health (CMH) is contracted to run these facilities locally, and senior staff members offered The News a tour of the facility at the end of February.
Sara Goldvine, the Chief Operations Officer for CMH, said the new building will be called Rivers Reach. It also has a name in Halkomelem, the language of the Coast Salish people, that means "I arrive at the River."
"It's supposed to represent arriving as part of your journey to recover," she explained.
Katzie artist Rain Pierre, locally famous for his art in a First Nations style, has been commissioned to provide public art for the new facility, both on the exterior wall and an inside common area.
The first stop is the front desk. There will be controlled access at the front door, and the operator will have a view of feeds from security cameras.
Next is a clinic area, where Fraser Health will have nursing staff on site during business hours – and Rivers Reach will be just the second supportive housing facility to have health staff on site.
Mike Whitehead, the director of supportive housing for CMH, explains that makes referrals for health issues such as mental health or addiction support very easy, and he regards it as a huge benefit to residents. He noted there will be programs offered, such as cognitive rehabilitation.
On the main floor is a a lounge with a television, a dining area and commercial kitchen with new stainless steel appliances. Breakfast and dinner will be prepared and served by staff, and residents will be on their own to get lunch.
Each of their units has a kitchenette with a small stove, fridge, and microwave oven. Every unit has its own washroom in a small bachelor suite with basic furniture – a bed, with table and chairs. Laundry will be shared.
"We really want them to feel like they're at home when they arrive," said Goldvine. "We want to encourage people on their recovery journey."
There will also be a private outdoor area, and the entire premises will be fenced.
She said the new building is built for its purpose, whereas The Mods were a drop-camp response to clear an encampment – Anita Place.
"It's a significant change for our staff and residents," said Goldvine. "This sets us up for success."
City council has already toured the site.
"Mayor and council have been very supportive of Coast. They're good partners for us," said Goldvine.
There are 38 people still staying at The Mods who will be moved into the new facilities, and the remaining 12 rooms will be filled by others. All of those referred will have local connections – people who grew up in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, who have family here, or who have lived in the area.
Tenants will get the opportunity to earn an honorarium if they help clean the streets or the grounds around the facility. It's part of an effort to make them feel like part of the community.
They are planning to host a community barbecue with neighbours, "one everyone is in and kind of settled," said Goldvine.
