The B.C. government is providing $40,000 to allow the emergency weather response shelter at St. Hilda’s Anglican Church in Sechelt to remain open seven days a week.

This is in addition to the provincial funding the shelter already receives to open on nights when the weather threatens the health of people on the street. The shelter had been experiencing a funding shortfall from other sources, and this new funding will ensure the same level of shelter service as in previous winters.

With the additional funding, the shelter opened its doors this past Saturday night, approximately two weeks ahead of schedule. The shelter is currently being staffed by Portland Hotel Society Community Services until local staffing is in place.

The shelter is open every night from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., and will remain open until March 31, 2016.

Quotes:

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

“Shelter for those who are homeless is a priority for our government, and this funding will ensure people in need have access to a safe, warm place to stay this winter. We will continue to engage with the community over the coming months to explore long-term shelter and housing options for homeless individuals on the Sunshine Coast.”

Rev. Clarence Li, St. Hilda's Anglican Church –

“The Sunshine Coast Emergency Cold Weather Shelter Program is extremely grateful for the assistance provided by the Province over this past weekend. Not only did the B.C. government commit new funding to ensure the shelter would be open every night throughout the cold/wet season, but they also mobilized experienced shelter workers from Portland Housing Society to assist in staffing and training here in Sunshine Coast."

Mayor Bruce Milne, District of Sechelt –

“St. Hilda’s shelter provides essential services to some of the most vulnerable people on the Sunshine Coast. We deeply appreciate the Province providing this funding to ensure these services continue in our community over the course of the winter, especially in the coming days as the temperature falls.”

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $4.4 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families.
• This year, more than 102,500 B.C. households will benefit from provincial social housing programs and services.
• The Province provided approximately $213 million last year to support more than 13,200 emergency shelter spaces, subsidized housing units and rent supplements for those who were homeless across British Columbia.
• Last year, the B.C. government invested over $1.3 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for more than 300 households in Sechelt. This includes providing support for more than 200 senior households and over 60 family households.

Learn More:

For more information on affordable housing programs and the province’s efforts to end homelessness in B.C., please visit: www.housingmattersbc.ca/factsheets.html and: www.bchousing.org

To see a map of permanent and temporary shelters in B.C., please visit: http://www.bchousing.org/Options/Emergency_Housing/Map