A $500,000 ongoing, annual funding commitment from the Province will ensure the Pidcock House Emergency Shelter in Courtenay continues to provide 24/7 support to people who are homeless.

The shelter, managed by The Salvation Army, began 24/7 operations in 2011 after the City of Courtenay amended restrictions on operating hours.

Since then, the Province has provided short-term funding for the extended operations.

The shelter provides 14 beds for people who are homeless, as well as showers, laundry, meals and access to skills training and recovery services.

Quotes:

Rich Coleman, Minister of Natural Gas Development and Minister Responsible for Housing -

"Emergency shelters throughout British Columbia provide a vital service to homeless individuals. The Province supports The Salvation Army's tireless work across B.C. to help provide people with a safe, warm and supportive place to stay."

Don McRae, MLA for Comox Valley and Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation -

"Pidcock House shelter is a critical piece of the housing continuum, providing shelter and support for individuals in need in our community. I'm proud that our government is able to commit funding for this important service for the Comox Valley."

Lt.-Col. Larry Martin, divisional commander, The Salvation Army British Columbia Division -

"The Salvation Army is one of B.C.'s largest providers of social services and supports to people in need. We are very thankful to the B.C. government for supporting us in our work. It is only with many partners collaborating that we are truly able to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals in our communities."

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $3.6 billion to provide affordable housing for low income individuals, seniors and families. This year, more than 98,000 B.C. households will benefit from provincial social housing programs and services.

• Last year, the B.C. government invested nearly $3.4 million to support subsidized housing and rent supplements for close to 680 households in Courtenay. This includes providing support for nearly 390 senior households and over 230 family households.

• The Salvation Army is an international Christian non-profit organization dedicated to providing social services and assistance to those that are marginalized and overlooked in over 400 communities across Canada and more than 120 countries around the globe.

Learn More:

To learn more about BC Housing, please visit: www.bchousing.org

To learn more about The Salvation Army, visit: http://www.salvationarmy.ca

Media Contacts:

Fergus McCann
BC Housing
778 452-6445
604 561-4375 cell

Patricia Cuff
The Salvation Army BC Division
604 296-3821
604 626-1513 cell