The transformation of the former 亚洲天堂 Lake Motor Inn into Dzee Inzu Yikh, a supportive housing facility, is progressing steadily, with construction aimed for completion by winter 2024.
In March 2021, the Province of British Columbia, through BC Housing, acquired Dzee Inzu Yikh, formerly the 亚洲天堂 Lake Motor Inn, to create 44 supportive homes for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness in 亚洲天堂 Lake and six surrounding First Nations communities.
Currently, six units are occupied and managed by Lake Babine Nation as supportive housing.
Construction is actively underway to transform the remaining units into permanent supportive housing, with completion expected by winter 2024, at which point additional residents will start moving in, a BC Housing spokesperson said in an email statement.
Lake Babine Nation will accept resident applications as the project nears its finish.
The Province has invested approximately $14.9 million from the Building BC: Supportive Housing Fund for the purchase and renovation of the facility, BC Housing said.
Originally purchased in April 2020 with the goal of converting it into a shelter, the site is located at 149 Highway 16. It adopts successful models from other communities that have shown significant improvements in the lives of vulnerable residents.
This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Cheslatta Carrier, Lake Babine, Ts鈥檌l Kaz Koh, Wet鈥檚uwet鈥檈n, Skin Tahi, and Nee Tahi Buhn First Nations. The initial investment total for purchase and renovation was pegged at $9-million.
Dzee Inzu Yikh is designed to offer more than just shelter. On-site staff will be available 24/7 to address residents' needs, along with various support services aimed at promoting better health and self-sufficiency.
The facility will feature common areas such as a lounge, dining room, and quiet study space, as well as on-site access to employment and life skills training, educational opportunities, and health services.
