The North Coast Transition Society celebrated International Women's Day by holding a grand opening ceremony for its new facility.
"There are many issues facing women in Prince Rupert area. Isolation, lack of access to services, especially for those living on reserves, poverty, violence, historical violence, the effects of residential schools, alcohol, drugs, disabilities and racism," Treena Decker from the society said during a speech on March 8.
The North Coast Transition Society is managing and operating the facility, which houses the 23-units in Eagles Landing, as well as spaces for the Blue Heron counselling and outreach programs the society offers.
The society says they hope to close the gap of services to women and children with the opening of Eagles Landing, providing Prince Rupert and area women and children a residence to live in for up to two years when trying to flee domestic abuse. The housing gives tenants the time and support they need to stabilize their lives before moving on to more independent living.
"Our goal is to provide a wide range of supports that assist people in achieving stability in their lives," Decker said.
"On one hand it's unfortunate we need a facility like this, but we have to acknowledge the societal problem of violence against women and children," North Coast MLA Gary Coons told the Prince Rupert Northern View.
The society's staff were applauded for their work with women and children in need, but admit they would be pleased to see an end of their positions.
"We're the only agency in town that wants to work ourselves out of a job," Christine White, executive director of the North Coast Transition Society, said
The facility meets the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), ensuring it's environmentally safe, and will save on energy costs over time.
The grand opening fit in with Canada's International Women's Day theme of engaging men to end violence against women, with plenty of men and women in attendance.