National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Cortes Island senior Douglas Butt considers himself fortunate. The 87-year-old lives in a secure, well-maintained cottage in a small seniors complex with reasonable rent and a beautiful garden and grounds. Housing attributes that are exceptionally hard to find for seniors living and renting on Cortes, Butt said.
Continue reading Seniors Housing Projects On Cortes & QuadraThough the Cortes Island Community Foundation (CICF) only recently came into being, and is currently applying for charitable status. It is already an important voice on Cortes Island. In 2018/2019, CICF partnered with the Cortes Island Seniors Society to raise over $1 million dollars for the housing development widely known as Rainbow Ridge. On September 28th, 2019, the Cortes Foundation brought together more than 50 people from 30 organizations for the first Cortes Social Profit (not-for-profit) sector meeting. On May 12, the Cortes Foundation applied for a $50,000 SRD grant.
Continue reading Cortes Foundation Requests $50,000 SRD Grant“Many of you may be aware of or have used VIHA’s home support services program, but not so many are aware that they have other choices when you require more assistance with daily living. Home support services provide a home care which we pay for according to our income. This service, though staffed by excellent workers, can be inconsistent and limited. Staff are only allowed to perform certain tasks and you may be assigned a different worker each day. The other option, which many of us do not consider, or may not be aware of is CSIL: Choice in Supports for Independent Living,” explained Quadra Island resident Ann McLean, in her rich Scottish brogue.
Continue reading CSIL: Choice In Supports For Independent Living“It takes a community to raise a village,” it says on the Cortes Community Housing website (at cortescommunityhousing.org). This has clearly been the case on Cortes Island with two upcoming housing initiatives undertaken by the Housing Committee of the Cortes Island Seniors Society.
Continue reading It Takes A Community To Raise A Village
Some vital issues undergird the impending Cortes Community Housing fund raiser, on July 14. According to David Rousseau, one of the principal organizers, “We are slowly slipping towards a community of older people who can not afford to be here. And the people who want to come here; live here; raise families and work here are slowly being squeezed out.” He points to Hornby Island as an example of what could happen. (The population average is a decade older than on Cortes and most trades come from off island.) Cortes Island Seniors Society’s purchase of a 51 acre parcel close to downtown Mansons Landing is a significant step towards addressing the Cortes Island Housing Crises.
Continue reading Addressing The Cortes Island Housing Crises
