The Government of B.C. has provided $220,000 to create a new temporary shelter in Langley to give the most vulnerable people in the area a place to stay.

The 30-bed shelter opened on Sept. 26, providing a group of homeless people who had been residing in the Nicomekl Park floodplain with much needed warmth and safety.

The shelter is situated within the large amenity space of the existing Salvation Army’s Gateway of Hope facility.

Homeless individuals will have access to personal hygiene facilities, such as showers and laundry machines, and will be provided three meals a day. They will also have access to some storage at the facility, have a flexible curfew, and have access to support staff and case planning services if desired.

Located at 5787 Langley Bypass, the shelter will open nightly from 7 p.m. to 10 a.m., remaining open until April 2017.

In addition to the temporary shelter, the Province has provided funding to Stepping Stones Community Services Society for an additional full-time outreach worker who can offer support services with the aim of helping homeless people access stable, longer-term housing.

Quotes:

Mary Polak, MLA for Langley –

“Temporary shelters provide essential services, particularly when the weather becomes cold and harsh. This new shelter in Langley will provide much needed warm spaces for people to spend the fall and winter. We will continue to work on longer-term solutions to address homelessness in the community”

Ted Schaffer, mayor, City of Langley –

“This funding will support the homeless individuals who were living in Nicomekl Park and other homeless individuals in our communities. There is now a safe place for homeless individuals to go every night so they are not at risk of a potential hazard during the winter months. Although this is a temporary solution for the community, the city will continue to work with the Province and surrounding communities to develop a permanent solution to address homelessness in Langley.”

Emmy Skates, executive director, Salvation Army Gateway of Hope –

“The Salvation Army Gateway of Hope is grateful for the collaborative partnership with BC Housing and the City of Langley. This additional funding enables the Gateway of Hope to continue assisting individuals in our community by providing safe accommodations and vital supportive services.”

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $4.9 billion to provide affordable housing for low income individuals, seniors and families.
• More than 104,000 B.C. households benefit from a diverse range of provincial housing programs and services.
• Last year, the Province invested more than $2.2 million to support emergency shelters and housing for the homeless in Langley.

Learn More:

For more information on affordable housing programs and the province’s efforts to end homelessness in British Columbia please visit:

Housing Matters B.C.: www.housingmattersbc.ca/factsheets.html

B.C. Housing: 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