Initially, a major part of the long-term solution for homelessness in Prince George should be supportive housing. People who live in stable homes, along with access to services such as job assistance, health care, and counselling, become significantly more able to get out of the homelessness cycle. In 2025, BC Housing and the Province introduced 42 indoor housing units at 397 3rd Ave. for the purpose of helping people at risk of homelessness. These are housing units that are part of the permanent support system for people living on the streets.
Besides, there are new projects for support and affordable rental housing that are in the pipeline. For instance, the construction of a multi-phase project at 1st Avenue and Ontario Street will provide an additional 41 supportive homes and 10 complex-care units, with the completion date slated for 2026. This development will also entail a health clinic to support the well-being of those residents who are most at risk of losing their homes.
Furthermore, BC Housing has revamped the former Fraser Inn and Direct Art at 1616 and 1650 Queensway to offer 27 of these supportive housing units to the homeless. Through these projects, the housing stock is directly increased, which is not only affordable but also connected with support services.
Enhancing Wrap-Around Support Services
Secondly, the provision of housing is the starting point of the solution. Wrap-around services are an essential part of a sustainable solution as they guide the residents in handling their problems, such as mental health issues, addiction, and unemployment. Generally, complex care housing integrates medical, counselling, and social supports with housing. For people who have had long-term homelessness and/or who have health challenges, the provision of services attached to housing usually translates to better outcomes in the long run and greater stability.
Today, community groups in Prince George are glad to be in a position to offer more than simply a place to sleep. They provide life skill training, mental health check -in, employment assistance, and guidance to healthcare. These activities are geared towards helping people remain in their homes, thereby preventing their lives from reverting to revolving poverty cycles and homelessness.
Creating Local Job and Skills Opportunities
Thirdly, a sustainable solution to homelessness should entail those who are homeless that could help keep them away from homelessness and the related socio-economic issues like unemployment, through skills and other competency development. Generally, skills development facilitates the engagement of people who have no jobs or homes. Often, households experiencing homelessness who get the required skills and training, and through various support mechanisms, including career counselling, and get job opportunities, are more likely to maintain their housing while they recover their economic independence.
Prince George sectoral industries, comprising construction, health, and retail, offer opportunities through which the distressed households can be taken back to work or be trained in a new trade. Job programs that are locally based and partner with various employers to offer training and apprenticeships are a good way of not only addressing long-term unemployment but also strengthening the local economy.
Strengthening Partnerships Across Sectors
Finally, reducing homelessness long-term requires stronger cooperation among provincial agencies, city government, health services, and non-profits. Plans like the Interim Housing Needs Report show that Prince George needs 5,218 new housing units by 2026 to meet both current homelessness and future demand.
By aligning community efforts with provincial strategies, decision-makers can track progress, plan future housing, and direct resources where they matter most. For example, ongoing coordination with Indigenous housing providers aims to deliver culturally appropriate homes and supports for groups facing disproportionate risk of homelessness.
Prince George’s long-term approach to homelessness includes building more supportive and affordable homes, expanding wrap-around services, creating job and training opportunities, and strengthening community partnerships. Together, these steps can help ensure that fewer people fall into homelessness and that those who have experienced it find stable, lasting homes as the community moves into and beyond 2025.
