Media Contacts

Ministry of Housing

Media Relations
236 478-0251

BC Housing

Media Relations
media@bchousing.org

Backgrounders

What people are saying about the new shelters

Vincent Tong, CEO, BC Housing

“We are committed to providing essential housing and shelter solutions to individuals at risk of homelessness in Abbotsford. With projects like the Pauline Shelter, Montvue Shelter, and Sparrow Shelter, we are creating more opportunities for stability, safety and support for those who need it most.”

Ross Siemens, mayor of Abbotsford

“Homelessness continues to be one of the most challenging issues facing our community. Ensuring everyone in Abbotsford has access to safe and supportive housing is essential, and we are grateful to the Province of B.C. for investing in Abbotsford through these additional shelter spaces to support our most vulnerable residents.”

Shayne Williams, CEO, Lookout Group of Non-profits  –

“Lookout celebrates the addition of 22 new shelter spaces in Abbotsford, thanks to the city and BC Housing. This investment reflects our shared commitment to compassion and urgency, offering hope, safety and dignity to our most vulnerable. Together, we’re building a stronger, inclusive community."

Megan Capp, associate director of housing and community justice, Archway Community Services

“At Archway, we believe that safe and dignified shelter and housing options are vital to a healthy society. The Montvue Shelter provides a tangible and meaningful step toward addressing homelessness in Abbotsford. We look forward to working with our community to foster a sense of belonging for those we support.”

Jesse Wegenast, executive director, Sparrow Community Care Society  

"Sparrow Community Care Society is grateful for the opportunity to provide 30 shelter spaces for older adults in Abbotsford. This investment illustrates the shared commitment of Sparrow, BC Housing, and the City of Abbotsford to pursue innovative approaches to care for seniors who are experiencing homelessness.”

About response shelters in Abbotsford

The Province’s historic $19-billion investment is helping people find a safe place to shelter indoors.

Pauline Shelter: 2509 Pauline St., Abbotsford

  • This shelter, operated by Lookout Housing and Health Society, started housing guests on April 7, 2025, with an additional 22 shelter spaces.
  • As part of the work to provide homelessness and encampment response solutions, the Province invested $1.7 million in capital funding, and $4.1 million in operating funding over the next three years.

Montvue Shelter: 2539 Montvue Ave., Abbotsford

  • This shelter with 30 spaces for people to stay is operated by Archway Community Services Society and will be ready to have people move in on June 1, 2025.
  • As part of the work to provide homelessness-and-encampment-response solutions, the Province invested $2.3 million to renovate and prepare the building for occupancy and $6.6 million in operating funding over the next three years.

Sparrow Shelter: 1661 McCallum Rd., Abbotsford 

  • Construction will be starting soon on this site, operated by Sparrow Community Care Society, which will expand the site from 15 to 30 shelter spaces.
  • As part of the work to provide homelessness and encampment response solutions, the Province invested $1.5 million to renovate and prepare the building for occupancy and $4.7 million in operating funding over the next three years.