Pubdate: Thu, 13 Jan 2005 Source: North Island Gazette (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 North Island Gazette Contact: http://www.northislandgazette.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2783 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) THE HOUSE WILL HOUSE CRISIS HELP The House in Port Hardy will house those in crisis because of mental illness or addiction problems. "The House will provide short-term transitional housing for adults, and offer crisis stabilization in a safe environment," says Janine Lacasse, mental health and addictions program coordinator for the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) in Port Hardy. Lacasse and her staff will work closely with two other community service organizations to provide the new service. The Community Friendship Circle Society will provide the downtown residence, known as The House, to accommodate six clients at a time. The House was renovated last year. "The House is a great facility that will meet an important need in our community," says Rob Giblak, chair of the society's board of directors. "Supportive housing plays a key role in assisting clients to transition to greater independence in the community." The North Island Crisis and Counselling Centre will provide residential staff for The House around the clock. They will prepare meals, maintain the home and provide day-to-day living support. The purpose of the facility is to optimize clients' health and help them reconnect with their community. The program began in November through funding from VIHA's $6.47-million mental health renewal initiative funded by the provincial government. - ---