The Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre has received approval for a 36-unit Indigenous housing project in Houston, BC. The development, located at 3553 11th St. on land leased from the District of Houston, will offer affordable apartment-style homes with rents geared to income. The project, supported by BC Housing, is intended for Indigenous families, Elders, and individuals. The design will include accessible homes, a community gathering space, on-site parking, and a children’s play area, providing much-needed housing solutions and wraparound services within the community.

Indigenous Housing Project Approved in Houston, BC

The Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre has taken a significant step in addressing housing needs in Houston, BC, with the approval of a new 36-unit affordable housing project. Announced on September 10, the apartment-style development will be located at 3553 11th St. on land leased from the District of Houston. The project is aimed at providing much-needed homes for Indigenous families, Elders, and individuals.

Affordable Housing for Indigenous Families and Elders

This new housing project will feature affordable rents geared to income, with financing provided by the provincial BC Housing agency. The Dze L' Kant Housing Society, a subsidiary of the Friendship Centre, has been working extensively with the community to understand the specific housing needs of urban Indigenous people.

“Dze L K’ant has undertaken extensive community engagement work to understand the unique housing needs of urban Indigenous people and has been actively pursuing funding to develop new affordable and culturally safe homes,” said the organization in a statement.

Second Project Approved This Year

This is the second housing project approved by BC Housing for the Dze L' Kant Housing Society in 2024. Earlier this year, a similar 36-unit project was approved in Smithers. Annette Morgan, executive director of the housing society, expressed excitement about the approval, saying, “We are thrilled to have been selected by the province, through BC Housing, to deliver urgently needed homes in our community.”

Houston Mayor Shane Brienen also welcomed the development, stating, “This development will provide much-needed homes for Indigenous families, elders, and individuals in our community. We are pleased to see this project move forward and are committed to supporting it every step of the way.”

Project Details and Future Plans

While the project has been approved, further details regarding costs and construction dates are still being finalized. The housing development will include a mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom units to accommodate individuals and multi-generational families. The design will prioritize accessible homes for Elders and individuals with disabilities and will feature a community gathering space, on-site parking, and a children’s play area.

The location is within close proximity to downtown amenities, including the Houston Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre, which will offer tenants access to a variety of support services.

Addressing the Community’s Housing Needs

A recent study commissioned by the District of Houston highlighted a shortage of affordable, safe housing options in the area. This project is part of the Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre’s ongoing efforts to address these challenges. In addition to the housing development, the Friendship Centre is also working on two other major projects: a replacement administrative building and a daycare center, which will be built adjacent to the new housing on 11th St.

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