There's a glimmer of hope that one of Metro Vancouver's most problem-plagued areas may finally start to improve.

Dozens of people who've been living in tents along what's known as the Surrey Strip are being offered temporary housing.

Some began packing on Tuesday, while others had already moved. The city hopes to see the strip in the Whalley neighbourhood cleared of tents by the end of the week, but some residents of the encampment say it's not a realistic goal.

More than 160 people live along 135A Street, and while most are in tents, some don't even have that.

Many have lived on the Strip for years, including Chrystal La Rose, who described the situation as "having to live with basically rodents crawling in my tent at night."

Another long-term resident, Kristina Freberg, said life in the area is hard, but that people adjust. But after four years, she's ready to move on.

Freberg is one of several moving into new modular housing units in Surrey.

The complex is one of several being built or already in use in B.C. The buildings are designed so that they can be built quickly on unused or underused land, then torn down and reconfigured elsewhere when no longer needed at their current sites.

"We have over 60 staff on site from over 12 agencies who are helping each person pack their belongings and find their new homes," BC Housing regional director Brenda Prosken said on moving day.

There are 160 units of temporary housing in Vancouver's fastest-growing suburb, with a hefty price tag of $12 million in capital costs. The project also costs $3 million a year to operate.

Some are moving directly into the modular housing, while others will be moved to shelters.

"We have a goal by the end of the week of having filled all those available spots, and we believe we'll accomplish that," said Terry Waterhouse, Surrey's public safety director.

But some living on the Strip said they haven't been offered anything.

"I kind of feel robbed in a way, and if I can't be there and I can't be here, where can I go?" said Reo Noel.

"I'm worried now. It's right down to the crunch and I don't know what I'm going to do," said Sheamus Lindsay.

Outreach staff are still working to connect with everyone, the city said, but there are enough shelter beds and housing units available for everyone.

But what happens if some people choose not to leave?

Violence erupted when a homeless camp was shut down in Vancouver last year to make way for a similar modular housing building on the Sugar Mountain site.

In Chilliwack, security guards and police cleared out a camp in October when approximately 20 residents refused to leave the private property.

The eviction of residents at a camp in Maple Ridge last May prompted protests on both sides of the argument, and six people were arrested when staff with the City of Vancouver tried to take down tents at a relocated camp in November 2016.

Surrey officials were asked Tuesday, but the city said only that they're working with individuals to ensure everyone has a roof over their heads.

With a report from CTV Vancouver's Michele Brunoro