The B.C. government is providing $510,000 to keep My Place temporary shelter in Victoria open for an additional five months, until Sept. 30, 2016.

This will ensure that people in need continue to have access to a safe place to stay, while outreach workers continue working with clients to help them access rent supplements and long-term, stable housing.

Located at 1240 Yates St., the 40-bed shelter was one of the facilities opened by the Province this year to offer housing solutions for people living at the homeless camp at the Victoria courthouse property.

The B.C. government is also providing approximately $130,000 to allow the 45-bed overnight shelter at the First Metropolitan Church in Victoria to remain open until the end of June.

Our Place Society will continue to operate both shelters.

The $640,000 in funding is in addition to the $550,000 the Province provided to Our Place to operate the shelters during the winter months.

Since October 2015, the B.C. government has invested more than $5 million to add more than 170 new units of transitional housing and shelter for people at the homeless camp. Eighteen people have also transitioned into permanent housing.

The new units are in addition to the 147 year-round homeless shelter spaces in Victoria, as well as the 125 shelter spaces that are available during extreme weather.

Quotes:

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

“These shelters have been successful in helping people transition into long-term housing and connecting others to mental health and addictions supports, providing them opportunities to make positive changes. We will continue to work with the city and housing providers in the community to provide long-term housing solutions for those in need.”

Mayor Lisa Helps, City of Victoria –

“The City of Victoria appreciates the funding extension that directly supports those who are the most vulnerable and in need in the community. We look forward to continuing to work with the Government of B.C. to provide more long-term housing solutions.”

Don Evans, executive director, Our Place Society –

“When My Place first opened its doors, it was an emergency measure to help those people who were struggling to survive on our streets. But, with the community’s help and understanding, it has become so much more. My Place is a home for the homeless, a teaching opportunity for local schools and a rallying point for the neighbours to show their compassion for our most vulnerable citizens. We are grateful that our new neighbours have given us a mandate to continue helping the residents at My Place through the summer months.”

Quick Facts:

• Last year, the Province invested over $19.7 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for more than 5,100 Victoria households.
• 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.
• 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.

Learn More:

For more information about services and supports for the homeless in Victoria, please visit: www.housingmattersbc.ca/docs/fs_Homeless%20Supports_Victoria.pdf

Follow BC Housing on Twitter: @BC_Housing

Our Place Society: www.ourplacesociety.com/