Forty-two interim shelter spaces open today at the Marble Arch Hotel, a provincially owned SRO. This shelter facility, using vacant commercial space at the Marble Arch, will operate 24 hours a day, offer a meal program and incorporate a unique couples-only component.

This additional shelter capacity is being opened on an interim basis while more provincially funded supportive housing is opened in the City of Vancouver. This additional shelter space will provide enhanced access to housing and supports for people who are homeless and at risk of homelessness. Support services are provided by Raincity Housing.

Quick Facts:

The Province has made significant investments in Vancouver over the last few years to help end homelessness:

• Approximately $20 million annually to make more than 1,300 shelter spaces available in the City of Vancouver:
• 638 permanent, year-round shelter beds open 24/7.
• 26 shelter spaces for women only at 329 Powell.
• 90 interim shelter spaces (40 spaces already open at 1442 Howe St. and 50 in Mount Pleasant that will open next week).
• 340 year-round spaces in three shelters established through the HEAT.
• Up to 267 additional spaces are currently available in Vancouver during the winter months when an Extreme Weather Alert is issued by the community. Funding is available for another 75 spaces, and the Province is working with the Vancouver Extreme Weather Co-ordinator to identify locations and create these new spaces.
• $150 million to purchase and renovate 24 single room occupancy hotels (SROs) - 23 of which are in the Downtown Eastside - protecting more than 1,400 units of affordable housing for low-income individuals.
• $300 million to work in partnership with the City of Vancouver and non-profit groups to build 1,570 new supportive housing units.

Contact:

Fergus McCann
Communications
BC Housing
778 452-6445