By Alexandra Mehl \u00a0Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Port Alberni, BC – In just over a year, a new 48-unit independent living apartment building located on the Tsawaayuus Rainbow Gardens Campus of Care in Port Alberni has helped low-to-moderate income Indigenous elders and seniors with disabilities overcome housing barriers while building a community. “There is definitely a community developing amongst the residents that were new to each other when they moved in, and now they’re friends,” said Art Van Volsen, building manager of the apartment complex, Huupsitas. Residents of Huupsitas can be found in the outside gardens socializing or meeting in the amenities area where they host games and bingo nights, he shared. “The catchphrase\u00a0 that comes to mind is, `housing is healthcare’,” said Van Volsen. “The folks that are coming… <\/p>\n
By Alexandra Mehl \u00a0Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Port Alberni, BC – In just over a year, a new 48-unit independent living apartment building located on the Tsawaayuus Rainbow Gardens Campus of Care in Port Alberni has helped low-to-moderate income Indigenous elders and seniors with disabilities overcome housing barriers while building a community. “There is definitely a community developing amongst the residents that were new to each other when they moved in, and now they’re friends,” said Art Van Volsen, building manager of the apartment complex, Huupsitas. Residents of Huupsitas can be found in the outside gardens socializing or meeting in the amenities area where they host games and bingo nights, he shared. “The catchphrase\u00a0 that comes to mind is, `housing is healthcare’,” said Van Volsen. “The folks that are coming... <\/p>\n