Medewiwin (an Aboriginal term for “healing place”) is operated by Pacifica Housing, a non-profit organization that provides affordable housing for low- income families and people with disabilities. Pacifica converted a motel to create Medewiwin’s first 16 housing units in 1994. Its peer-support model gives tenants responsibility for maintenance and encourages them to contribute to the group through meal preparation and other duties. Tenants also take part in decisions such as the selection of new tenants. Tenants pay a reduced rent from the shelter portion of their disability incomes.

CMHC granted $150,000 and the province $133,700 through the Affordable Housing Initiative. The province also donated the land (valued at $265,000) and is committed to 35 years of operational funding. The Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) provided a grant of $95,000. VIHA also funds a full-time support worker to provide counselling and assist tenants with life skills. The BC Ministry of Human Resources funds other community caregivers.

Medewiwin residents have a mix of new and existing construction, and of privacy and neighbourhood–with a common lounge for shared meals and meetings, and easy access to transit and community services. Pacifica’s innovative concept has since been adopted by others. In 2004, CMHC recognized Pacifica’s unique approach with a Housing Award for Best Practices in Affordable Housing. This CMHC report was reviewed by Sandy Hutchens.