The red ribbon was cut at 132 Avenue R South on Thursday during the grand opening of the Miyo-Macihoyan Transition House. 

The house is operated by the Persons Living With AIDS Network, however anyone coming from homeless or about to face homelessness after leaving a detox or treatment centre can access care, as long as they are sober or agree to becoming sober upon arrival. 

PLWA Executive Director Christine Daniels says the 9-unit house was in operation last year, but only as a pilot project. 

“We didn’t know how it was going to go. We were hopeful of course. It went very, very well, so were able to continue with our project. Our funders continued to fund us. Once we got the OK that we were going to be funded, we decided it was time to do a grand opening.” 

She says the house has 9 units, six of which are currently in use, and clients are allowed to stay up to three years while accessing the care they need to turn their life around. 

“That are wrap-around supports. We have 24/7 support. We have support workers during the day, support workers during the night, and we have night support who are available should any issues arise, or if anybody needs someone to talk to.” 

There are plans to expand the facility to house more than nine individuals in the future.