The B.C. government has committed $960,000 to keep the Boulevard Winter Shelter in Surrey open until April 30, 2017.

This additional funding ensures that outreach workers will be able to continue working with Surrey’s homeless population beyond the winter months to help individuals access rent supplements and find permanent housing solutions.

Since the 40-bed shelter opened in December, more than 35 people have transitioned into permanent housing.

Lookout Emergency Aid Society will continue to operate the shelter, located at 10677 Whalley Blvd. The shelter is open 24 hours per day, seven days a week and provides three meals a day to clients.

The Province will continue to partner with the City of Surrey, who has agreed to extend the lease on the building to the B.C. government for another year.

This funding extension is in addition to the $400,000 the Province provided to the society to operate the shelter during the winter months.

The B.C. government also funds 111 year-round homeless shelter spaces in Surrey, as well as approximately 60 shelter spaces that are available during extreme weather.

Quotes:

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

“We are thankful to the City of Surrey for extending the lease to us for another year. It’s important for all levels of government and community service providers to continue working together to help homeless people begin the process of moving to more stable, permanent housing.”

Amrik Virk, MLA for Surrey-Tynehead –

“The high level of partnership between the City of Surrey and Province is a prime example of how co-operation can lead to constructive and beneficial services where they are needed most.”

Mayor Linda Hepner, City of Surrey –

“The City of Surrey is glad that we can work in close collaboration with the B.C. government to bring positive solutions to help the housing needs of the vulnerable. I would like to extend my thanks to the Province for extending this funding that directly supports those who need assistance most in our community.”

Shayne Williams, executive director, Lookout Emergency Aid Society –

“This shelter is often the last resort for many individuals who are unable to find housing so we are thrilled the Province is extending funding. We look forward to continue working with Surrey’s most vulnerable individuals and helping them find more stable housing.”

Quick Facts:

• Last year the B.C. government invested over $47.5 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for almost 8,000 households in Surrey.
• 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 throughout 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 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

Follow BC Housing on Twitter: @BC_Housing (twitter.com)

Lookout Emergency Aid Society: http://lookoutsociety.ca/