With the pending closure this week of the remaining three City of Vancouver temporary winter emergency shelters, the Province is offering housing assistance to the approximately 75 people remaining at the three shelters.

So far, 30 people have accepted housing offers, 20 have declined housing assistance, and 15 housing offers are pending. The Province is working with non-profit partners and outreach workers to identify housing options for the remaining 10 shelter users.

At the fourth temporary winter emergency shelter that closed last week, 13 people were assisted with housing, and 17 others either went to other housing options, or made their own arrangements.

The Province and the City jointly committed to these neighbourhood-based shelters operating for a fixed term of 120 days until the end of April, and the City's development permits were specifically issued for that time period.

These were clearly identified as temporary winter response shelters as in previous years. These four shelters also closed last April.

Contact:

Sam Rainboth

BC Housing

604 439-4789

Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect