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Kuu-us meets with its new neighbours

Staff from the KUU-US Crisis Line Society introduced themselves to their new neighbours and members of the public Wednesday night with a meeting at Echo Centre.

Staff from the KUU-US Crisis Line Society introduced themselves to their new neighbours and members of the public Wednesday night with a meeting at Echo Centre.

KUU-US will move into the buildings on Johnston Road recently vacated by the 2308 Canadian Scottish Regiment Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps.

Staff have already toured the neighbourhood and introduced themselves to businesses and residents, executive director Elia Nicholson-Nave said. “We’ve been welcomed into the neighbourhood. What we did was go door to door, which was always our plan.”

The meeting Wednesday was an opportunity for people to come and ask questions and hear about KUU-US’ transition plans.

The building that faces Johnston Road will house the organization’s administrative programs. Public access will be from the Johnston Road gate entry Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The building at the back of the property, along Adelaide Street, will be used to store the society’s non-perishable food items, clothing and household furnishings distributed through the Fresh Start and New Beginnings programs.

The building that faces Adelaide Street and backs onto Helen Street will be renovated to accommodate transitional housing for four tenants, with access to a communal kitchen, laundry and bathroom facilities.

One thing the new facility will not be is a homeless shelter. “This is not low barrier; that is what Phoenix House is for,” she said. “This is not an emergency shelter; that is what Port Alberni Shelter Society is for. This is transitional housing with on-site support services. This is for clients who are eager and willing and able to empower themselves for long-term sustainability.”

editor@albernivalleynews.com