Twenty new temporary winter shelter beds are opening this week for people struggling with homelessness in Maple Ridge, as the Province and BC Housing continue to work with the city on long-term housing solutions.

BC Housing is partnering with the Hope for Freedom Society to provide 20 co-ed winter shelter spaces, open nightly between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., starting Feb. 1.

In February, the winter shelter beds will be located at the Maple Ridge Baptist Church at 22155 Lougheed Highway. In March, the temporary beds will be located at Burnett Fellowship Church at 20639 - 123 Ave.

The shelter beds will close on March 31, 2018, unless there is continued need due to weather. People staying at the shelter will receive three meals a day, donated by people in the community and local food banks.

Overall, BC Housing is increasing capacity and enhancing options for people in need of shelter during the cold, wet weather. In addition to the 20 new temporary winter shelter spaces, BC Housing currently funds 25 year-round shelter beds, 25 extreme weather response spaces and 30 temporary shelter spaces in Maple Ridge.

The Government of B.C. is working to provide a full spectrum of housing options and supports to help people in need, and to strengthen the overall response to the ongoing homelessness and housing challenges.

Quick Facts:

• In the last Metro Vancouver homeless count looking at Ridge Meadows, which encompasses Maple Ridge, 124 homeless people were counted, an increase of 48% since 2014.
• The Province will be working with local governments and community partners to develop a homelessness action plan to reduce homelessness through permanent housing and services.

Learn More:

For more information about the proposals in Maple Ridge, please visit: https://www.bchousing.org/partner-services/public-engagement/maple-ridge-supportive-housing