The Province and The Salvation Army will jointly extend funding for the 14-bed Pidcock House shelter in Courtenay for an additional nine months, to secure 24/7 access for those most in need in the community.

The funding for round-the-clock shelter operations was slated to expire on June 30, 2012. The Salvation Army will provide the additional funding from July 1, 2012 to Oct. 1, 2012. The Province will provide the remaining funding required for extended hours until March 31, 2013, in addition to the funding already provided for the shelter to operate 14 hours per day.

The additional funding will also allow for the continuation of gateway service delivery at the same location instead of being divided between the Shelter and Salvation Army offices.

The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and every day in 400 communities across Canada and more than 120 countries around the globe.

Quotes:

Don McRae, Comox Valley MLA -

"Everyone should have access to a safe warm place to sleep at night. The Province and the Salvation Army worked together to find a solution and keep round-the-clock shelter and support services available for those most in need. I want to thank the society for the work they do here in Courtenay and across our province."

Major Larry Martin, Divisional Commander, The Salvation Army BC Division -

"We are thrilled that the Province of British Columbia has agreed to provide the additional funding needed to keep our shelter running 24/7 and in the process aiding us in our work of providing not only safe, stable shelter but also the gateway services individuals need to overcome the barriers they face and to experience long-term positive change. We see this as an opportunity to continue to serve and provide hope to all those who need it most in our communities regardless of time or day."

Quick Facts:

• The Province provides $57 million annually to fund more than 1,600 permanent year-round shelter beds in 33 communities - almost double the approximately 880 that existed in 2001.
• In 2006, the Province launched Housing Matters BC and expanded the range of housing options. Close to 6,200 new and upgraded supportive housing units and shelter beds have been created, including:
• Partnerships with eight municipalities to build more than 2,200 new supportive housing units.
• Purchasing and renovating 26 Single Room Occupancy hotels in Vancouver, New Westminster and Victoria - protecting approximately 1,580 affordable rooms.
• Around 1,400 Extreme Weather Response shelter spaces.

• In total, there are 7,300 subsidized units available in the province for individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
• Outreach teams operate in 48 communities, connecting homeless people with permanent housing and a range of community services.
• Since 2006, provincially funded shelter and outreach workers have connected more than 11,000 homeless people to permanent, stable housing.
• In addition to the 14 shelter spaces at Pidcock House, the Province also provides support to homeless individuals in the community by funding six units of housing for the homeless or those of risk of homelessness, 10 homeless rent supplements, 11 spaces for women and children fleeing violence and homeless outreach.
• The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life, providing shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an addiction.

Learn More:

Further information about The Salvation Army can be found at: http://www.salvationarmy.ca/britishcolumbia/

Media Contact:

Seumas Gordon
BC Housing
604 439-4789