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Addiction recovery and housing under one roof in Surrey

Ground breaks on new Quibble Creek project.

A new centre to help individuals at risk of homelessness with mental health and addiction issues is now under construction in Surrey.

Quibble Creek Health and Phoenix Transition Housing Centre is a partnership between the province, the City of Surrey and Fraser Health Authority that will contain 52 supportive housing units and 15 short-term transitional recovery beds. The four-storey building, going up at 13670 94A Ave., will also include Fraser Health’s Recovery and Assessment Centre, with 25 beds for men and women requiring 24-hour recovery and assessment services, and a primary care, substance use and mental health clinic.

The Recovery and Assessment Centre will be a safe, sheltered environment to assist individuals recovering from acute intoxication.

Clients at the primary care, substance use and mental health clinic will receive care and treatment for medical, substance use and mental health issues.

"We have been shifting how we reach out and support those who are homeless and affected by mental health and substance use issues, offering services in settings that best meet their needs," said Lois Dixon, Fraser Health's executive director of mental health and substance use.

The city provided the land and waived fees for development, while the province provided a $15-million grant plus $620,000 in operating funds for the housing component.

Phoenix Drug and Alcohol Recovery and Education Society will operate the centre, with funding from Fraser Health.

"The new building will provide an array of additional supports and opportunities for our society to better meet the needs of the population we serve," said Phoenix spokesman Michael Wilson.

The new centre is to be finished by spring of 2012.

Quibble Creek is part of an agreement between the province and city to build 103 units of new supportive housing on two sites. The second is Alder Gardens, at 13788 71 Ave. in Surrey, which will have 36 units of supportive long-term housing for women and their children who are at risk of homelessness.