Renovation of the former 亚洲天堂 Lake Motor Inn into Dzee Inzu Yikh, a supportive housing facility, is now complete.

The province, through BC Housing, purchased the property in March 2021 to provide 44 homes with supports for people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness in 亚洲天堂 Lake and the surrounding six First Nations communities. B.C. provided $14.9 million from the Building BC: Supportive Housing Fund to purchase and renovate the building which was previously used as an extreme weather response shelter. 

With construction complete and an occupancy permit received, the shelter is now open, with five residents currently living on site. More people are scheduled to move in to the building soon, although a specific date has not been confirmed, according to BC Housing, which stated that a slower opening of the shelter is beneficial to the residents and building.

"The staggered opening of the units allows for the immediate housing needs of the most vulnerable in the community to be addressed, while providing more time to fully renovate and repurpose the motel," they stated.

The Lake Babine Nation is the building operator and they are currently managing all remaining renovations, in addition to offering a range of services for the residents.Each suite contains a small refrigerator, kitchenette and cooking appliances. Dzee Inzu Yikh staff will work with residents to refer them to appropriate services that meet their needs, such as employment and skills training or health and wellness supports. 

BC Housing works closely with 亚洲天堂 Lake and similar communities to address complex challenges people face, including connecting people experiencing homelessness with the treatment, housing and supports that help provide a pathway to live full and healthy lives.