Small Town, Big Impact: Filling the Seniors Housing Gap in Fort St. James

About this episode

This episode discusses the creation of affordable, independent living for seniors in Fort St. James through a culturally safe housing project.

How do you create affordable, independent living in a small community? In this episode, we visit Fort St. James, where the new Neghuni Ghunli-un housing facility is providing 36 suites for older adults (55+). Developed in partnership with Nak'azdli Whut'en, this project is the result of a collaboration that reflects the Nation’s leadership in creating culturally safe, community-driven housing solutions. The Nak'azdli Whut'en Nation’s involvement also ensures this project meets the unique needs of its people. Our guests discuss the challenges of rural housing, the importance of helping seniors age in place, and how keeping elders connected strengthens families, especially in small communities. They also explore why expanding housing efforts into smaller communities is crucial and why focusing beyond the Lower Mainland matters for the future. Guests: Paula Wylie, Executive Director, Connexus Community Resources Kris Neilsen, Family Services and Housing Program Manager, Connexus Community Resources Learn more about Connexus Community Resources here: https://connexus.ca/ #podcast

People in this episode

Guests: Paula Wylie, Kris Neilsen

Topics covered

• seniors housing
• affordable living
• community-driven solutions
• rural housing challenges
• aging in place
• cultural safety

Keywords

• seniors
• housing gap
• affordable housing
• community
• independent living
• cultural safety
• rural challenges

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Connexus Community Resources, Nak'azdli Whut'en

Places: Fort St. James, Lower Mainland

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