As age catches up with older adults, couples and families can be torn apart and placed in different communities because of the lack of supportive housing spaces.

It's a tragedy that originally sparked the idea for the Buhler Active Living Centre. One of its key features was an entire floor dedicated to supportive housing.

Yet for nearly a year the second floor remained dark and dormant because of a lack of government funding.

With the Province cutting back funding in healthcare (19 staff positions were recently cut in the Southern Health RHA) the BALC Board of Directors agreed they could no longer wait for government assistance.

"They just don't have any money at this point," Board Chair George Klassen explains. "We built it to serve a purpose and meet a need, so we're going to go ahead and do it the Winkler way and just get it done."

They hope to rely mostly on volunteers and a handful of paid staff to open the 24/7 supported living floor this fall.

"We've adjusted the rates accordingly so we think we can manage it," Klassen says, adding they've already seen a number of volunteers come forward.

The rest of the facility saw residents move in last spring. A grand opening was held in September.

A major selling point of the original project, the 24 private rooms provide full meal service and a focus on community.

One of the real benefits of the floor in the Buhler Active Living Centre is for older couples with one spouse in need of assistance the other can no longer provide.

"They can still be in the same building," Klassen explains. 'They don't have to be separated... they can eat together... that's going to be a real benefit."

Meals are taken in a central dining room while large lounge areas provide recreation and games.

Residents also have access to an outdoor garden terrace.

"It's been a bit of a journey as far as getting the funding we needed," BALC Executive Director Mike Chute (right) says. "The board just came to the conclusion this is the right time... given the need in the community." Board Chair George Klassen (left)

"It's been a bit of a journey as far as getting the funding we needed," BALC Executive Director Mike Chute says. "The board just came to the conclusion this is the right time... given the need in the community."

Since opening a year ago, the Buhler Active Living Centre is nearing 75 percent occupancy. Saturday, June 10 the facility is hosting an open house.

The facility also houses the Winkler Senior Centre on the main floor.

The floor has stood empty for over a year. It is expected to open this fall

The shared dining space