Safe, secure homes are on the way for people experiencing homelessness in Surrey as construction begins on new supportive housing in the community.
“These new homes with supports will give people experiencing homelessness in Surrey the chance to make a lasting change in their lives,” said Rachna Singh, MLA for Surrey-Green Timbers. “We have seen how successful supportive housing has been both for residents and neighbourhoods in Surrey, and we’re proud to work with community partners to provide more of these.”
Located at 14150 Green Timbers Way, the Green Timbers Supportive Housing project will provide 100 supportive homes and 30 transitional accommodation spaces for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
“The Green Timbers Supportive Housing project is a leading example of the meaningful housing options the City of Surrey is providing for some of our most vulnerable citizens,” said Doug McCallum, mayor, City of Surrey. “The Green Timbers project will provide not only a dignified space to live in, but it will have the necessary supports and services to help the residents succeed in transitioning off the streets. I want to thank BC Housing and all of our partners for helping us bring this very worthwhile project to fruition.”
RainCity Housing and Support Services Society will operate the building and provide residents and shelter guests with meal programs, life and employment skills training, health and wellness support services, and opportunities for volunteer work. At least two staff members will be on site 24/7 to assist residents.
“In the spring 2015, RainCity Housing established our Intensive Case Management Team in Surrey, providing a range of outreach supports coupled with rent supplements to people experiencing homelessness,” said Greg Richmond, co-executive director, RainCity Housing. “Our work in Surrey would not have been possible without the exceptional and ongoing support of the community, RCMP and other service providers. As we continue to come alongside the Semiahmoo Nation and work closely with the larger community, we are thrilled to offer permanent, supported, affordable housing and transitional spaces to local residents.”
The Province provided nearly $30 million through the Building BC: Supportive Housing Fund and construction financing, and will provide an annual operating subsidy for the project. The City of Surrey provided the land for the project and will partner with the Province to fund the construction of Foxglove Drive, the new road that will provide access to the building.
Construction is expected to be complete by late 2021.
Delivering affordable housing is a shared priority between government and the BC Green Party caucus, and is part of the Confidence and Supply Agreement.
Quick Facts:
- Residents will be charged a monthly rate of $375, which is the social assistance shelter allowance provided by the Province to people experiencing homelessness. There is no fee for transitional accommodation spaces.
- In just over two years, government has built close to 2,100 supportive homes, with over 800 more underway and a goal of 4,700 over 10 years.
Learn More:
New reports show that supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness is substantially improving the quality of life for residents and reducing their use of emergency health services. The full reports and a summary of the results can be found here:
https://www.bchousing.org/modular-supportive-housing-resident-outcomes-reports
Building BC: Supportive Housing Fund program:
https://www.bchousing.org/projects-partners/funding-opportunities/Building-BC-SHF
A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is available online: https://www.bchousing.org/homes-for-BC
To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for British Columbians, visit: https://workingforyou.gov.bc.ca/
To find out more about RainCity Housing and Support Services, visit: www.raincityhousing.org
Two backgrounders follow.