VICTORIA –

The B.C. Government will provide up to $1.5 million this winter to help more than 80 communities make additional shelter spaces available for those who are homeless when cold weather threatens the safety and health of individuals.

More than 1,100 temporary spaces will be available from now until March 31, 2014, when a community issues an extreme weather alert. Communities decide what weather conditions warrant an alert and how many spaces to activate on a given night, depending on the capacity of existing shelters and the estimated need.

These spaces supplement the more than 1,800 permanent, year-round shelter beds in B.C., more than double the number of beds that were available in 2001. Most permanent shelters are now open 24/7 and provide three meals a day.

The B.C. government also funds outreach teams to help connect people with a range of community services in over 60 communities. Last year, more than 6,700 people were provided with stable housing through outreach services. 

Quotes:

Rich Coleman, Minister of Natural Gas Development and Minister Responsible for Housing –

“Each winter, the B.C. government works with communities and volunteers around the province to make sure that extra shelter space is available during the cold winter months. These additional spaces supplement permanent, year-round services and provide an extra layer of support to make sure that everyone has a warm, safe place to stay.”

Quick Facts:

• Close to 21,100 Extreme Weather Spaces were used throughout the province last winter, providing those who were homeless with protection from extreme weather across British Columbia.
• Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $3.6 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families. This year, more than 98,000 B.C. households will benefit from the government’s housing programs and services.
• Around $185 million was invested last year to support more than 11,000 emergency shelter spaces, subsidized units and rent supplements for those who were homeless across B.C.
• Extreme weather spaces supplement the more than 1,800 permanent, year-round shelter beds in the province, which are funded through the Emergency Shelter Program.

By:IANS