The Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre hopes to build a new supportive housing centre for young First Nation mothers.

Tillicum Lelum has applied for the funding to the federal government and also B.C.'s Ministry of Children and Family Development because finding affordable housing for young native families is becoming increasingly difficult.

With limited housing options available on Snuneymuxw First Nation land, Tillicum Lelum project manager Chris Beaton said renting an apartment in Nanaimo for young people is becoming difficult as rents are too expensive.

"It's a huge problem that there is no housing for young mothers and we have a number of women 17 and 18 who need safe, accessible and affordable housing for themselves and their children," said Beaton. "We've applied for funding and we hope to have a decision in the next month so that we can begin construction of what we are calling the Aboriginal Young Mothers Supportive Housing Program by March."

Tillicum Lelum staff members also want to establish new youth safe house on their 10th Street Property, but attaining funding may be a stumbling block. The building that will house eight emergency youth beds is currently being built on the 10th Street property. Beaton said Tillicum Lelum hopes to have it open by February.

"This facility is desperately needed," said Beaton. "There are only two safe houses on Vancouver Island, the one we are replacing and doubling the size of and another in Victoria."

The new facility is expected to open in February.

WCordery@nanaimodailynews.com 250-729-4237