The B.C. government will provide approximately $550,000 in funding to RainCity Housing and Support Society to operate the new 40-bed shelter in Maple Ridge and provide the necessary support services to those in need in the community.

The temporary shelter will be open between October and March 2016. RainCity is hosting an open house at the shelter, located at 22239 Lougheed Highway, Sept. 24, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.

The Province and the City of Maple Ridge have been working together to identify immediate housing solutions for the individuals currently living at the homeless camp on Cliff Avenue and assess longer-term service needs in the community.

RainCity Housing and Support Society is a well-established non-profit society that has been providing shelter, support and housing services for people living with mental illness, addictions and other challenges since 1982.

Quotes:

Doug Bing, MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows –

“We are committed to providing shelter and services to those who need it most in the community. The temporary shelter will provide immediate housing solutions for the individuals living at the homeless camp on Cliff Avenue.”

Marc Dalton, MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission –

“We are working closely with the local government and our non-profit partners to identify immediate housing solutions. We are committed to providing the necessary support services to those in need in the community.”

Greg Richmond, acting executive director, RainCity Housing and Support Society –

“We are excited to provide shelter, meals and assistance to some of the most vulnerable folks in Maple Ridge. We are looking forward to working with the established service providers, the City of Maple Ridge and BC Housing as we collectively address homelessness in Maple Ridge.”

Quick facts:

• Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $4.4 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families.
• Last year, the Province invested over $5 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for more than 1,100 households in Maple Ridge.
• This year, more than 102,000 B.C. households will benefit from provincial social housing programs and services.

Learn more:

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

RainCity Housing and Support Society: www.raincityhousing.org/