BC Housing and the Fraser Health Authority are partnering to develop an Intensive Case Management (ICM) team in Langley to increase supports for people in greatest need.

Through its ‘Housing First’ model, the ICM team will conduct street outreach to connect those who are homeless with immediate, stable shelter – and then longer-term housing as appropriate. The team will also provide supports to clients living in the private rental market throughout the community.

ICM is a team-based model of care, serving individuals with severe substance use disorder, who may or may not have concurrent disorders and/or mental illness. These individuals face complex challenges related to health, housing, and poverty, and face barriers in accessing existing health or social services.

The Province will provide $189,000 for up to 30 rent subsidies for the ICM program to ensure vulnerable people have access to affordable housing in Langley, with supports. Fraser Health will fund and oversee the ICM team that will provide the needed support for this marginalized population.

Quotes:

Mary Polak, MLA for Langley –

“Following up on our Homelessness Town Hall, this partnership with Fraser Health will mean people are on the ground dedicated to looking out for those who are homeless and at risk – whether they need immediate shelter, connections to community, or access to regular health care. Many thanks to community members who provided their input as well as Mayor Shaffer, MP Aldag and RCMP officer in charge Murray Power. This is an important step that we will continue to build on."

Dr. Victoria Lee, chief medical health officer, Fraser Health –

“The overdose public health emergency necessitates that we take urgent action to ensure we are responding appropriately. The challenges faced by people who are homeless and substance dependent who may also be mentally ill are very complex. It requires clinicians and housing workers who can work with people on the streets and in shelters to provide them with a wrap-around service.”

Quick Facts:

• Last year, the B.C. government invested close to $2.3 million in emergency shelter and housing for the homeless in Langley.
• 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.

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

Fraser Health mental health and substance use services: http://www.fraserhealth.ca/health-info/mental-health-substance-use/

Follow BC Housing on Twitter: @BC_Housing