The B.C. government is providing $1.6 million for 80 additional temporary winter shelter spaces, as well as rent supplements, for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Vancouver.

The City of Vancouver is providing the buildings. The city has opened temporary winter shelters at 900 Pacific Ave. and at Pender & Commercial. The shelters, operated by Rain City Housing, will be open until April 30, 2015.

In October, the Province also funded the opening of an additional 30 temporary shelter beds for men at the Harbour Lights complex in Vancouver.

Over the last five years, the B.C. government has provided funding to support a range of temporary housing options during the winter season for people at risk of homelessness in Vancouver. Almost 500 people have transitioned through these services to permanent housing.

As well, the Province is providing $360,000 to Carnegie Outreach Services for rent supplements and support services to help people who are homeless obtain housing in the private market.

Quotes:

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

“The Province is again recognizing the needs of the homeless in Vancouver and with the addition of 80 shelter spaces, outreach teams and rent assistance, we can meet a greater range of needs in the community. We continue to operate permanent year-round shelter spaces and the new supportive housing we are opening in the city is making a difference.”

Mayor Gregor Robertson, City of Vancouver -

“Our partnership with the Province is helping people move from the streets and into safe shelters and homes. Whether it’s collaborating on Winter Response Shelters or new housing on our 14 sites, we’ve seen more than 1,400 people move from the streets and shelters into permanent housing since 2009. We’re committed to continuing that progress and making sure no one has to sleep outside at night in our city.”

Quick Facts:

• Currently, there are more than 840 permanent, year-round shelter beds and approximately 200 temporary year-round Homeless Emergency Action Team (HEAT) shelter beds in Vancouver.
• The B.C. government spends close to $27 million annually to fund services for Vancouver’s homeless. This includes permanent and temporary shelters as well as homeless outreach.
• Provincially, over $70 million funds more than 1,800 permanent year-round shelter beds in 33 communities - almost double the number that existed in 2001.
• Funding increases since 2007 mean that most shelters are now open 24/7 - people do not have to line up at night - they can remain safe and stable while being connected to community services including more stable housing.

Learn More:

To learn more about provincial programs and services to address homelessness, please visit: www.bchousing.org

To learn more about services and supports for the homeless in Vancouver, please visit:
http://www.housingmattersbc.ca/docs/fs_Homeless%20Supports_Vancouver.pdf

To learn more about programs and services offered by the City of Vancouver, please visit: www.vancouver.ca

Media Contacts:

Elaine McKay
BC Housing
778 452-6476

City of Vancouver
Corporate Communications
604 871-6336
media@vancouver.ca