People in 44 communities throughout British Columbia will have access to more local services that respond to the effects of homelessness during extreme weather.
“There is a critical need for local services during times of crisis, and this funding provides a much-needed boost to community services that continue to be strained,” said Nathan Cullen, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “Initiatives like this are part of our government’s ongoing focus on making life better for people and helping local communities be more resilient.”
The Strengthening Communities’ Services Program supports local governments and modern Treaty Nations in building additional capacity to address the needs of unsheltered people in their communities, while keeping communities safe and healthy.
The Province is investing more than $15 million in community-led projects that provide services, such as outreach and mental-health supports, creating new temporary shelters for people experiencing homelessness, and expanding shelter availability during potential extreme weather through the program’s second intake. The funding is in addition to the $76 million provided to local governments and modern Treaty Nations through the program in 2021.
With this funding, for example, Fort St. John is expanding warming and cooling shelters to bring immediate relief to people during extreme weather, like summer heatwaves.
“We are happy to receive funding from this year’s Strengthening Communities’ Services grant to support our most vulnerable residents,” said Lori Ackerman, mayor, Fort St. John. “This funding will allow us to expand the operation of our warming centre for eight additional months to act as a daytime shelter as we transition between seasons. We look forward to continuing to work with the Province to support our community in the future.”
The Strengthening Communities’ Services Program is open to all municipalities, regional districts, Islands Trust and modern Treaty Nations in B.C. It is administered by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM).