accessible units, but thanks to a partnership with CMHC, we were able to increase that to six.” These small but critical adjustments ensured the final design would better serve residents’ needs. Funding for Linda’s Place came from multiple sources, including BC Housing, City of Campbell River, Rotary, Don and Lynn Bendickson Foundation, and the aforementioned Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). While securing financial backing was a challenge, the real test came during construction. The project was slated for completion within a year, an ambitious timeline under normal circumstances—but then COVID-19 hit. “It was a weird time,” Shelley recalls. “We had to limit the number of workers on-site, stagger move-ins, even control how people used the hallways and elevators.” Despite these hurdles, CRHIS remained committed to the vision, and 27 new homes became a reality for Campbell River residents. What makes Linda’s Place unique is not just its purpose but its sustainable financial model. Unlike many nonprofit housing projects, it does not rely on ongoing government subsidies to remain operational. Instead, the project set aside some of their units for regular renters. This mix allows the development to maintain financial stability while also creating a balanced community, fostering an environment where individuals with brain injuries can live alongside others in a natural, supportive setting. The response from residents was overwhelmingly positive from the start. “People walked in and said, ‘I’ll take it,’” Shelley says. “Even years later, I still hear from them about how much they love living here. It’s home.” One resident, who had struggled THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
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