New temporary housing for Surrey’s most vulnerable

Bruce Ralston, MLA for Surrey-Whalley

“This situation has been at a critical level for too long, and at last, housing is available for people who have had to endure the hardships and risks to personal health and safety that come with living without shelter. We want to help grow healthy communities, and I believe that only happens when housing is available to everyone.”

Linda Hepner, mayor, City of Surrey

“Council’s priority has always been to find long-term solutions to the homeless situation on 135A Street. With the new accommodations available, we are now able to offer those living in deplorable conditions on a sidewalk suitable housing that will have the necessary health and social supports. In essence, we are restoring dignity to these individuals by offering them proper shelter and care.”

Shayne Williams, executive director, Lookout Society

“Lookout Housing and Health Society is excited to operate the 160 temporary accommodation units, in partnership with BC Housing and Fraser Health, for Surrey’s most vulnerable community members. Between 2014 and 2017, homelessness in Surrey increased by a third, from 403 to 602 individuals. The need for alternative housing in Surrey is more prevalent than ever. Lookout is looking forward to operating an intensive case management team to provide a range of health services, in addition to housing, to ensure long-term success and wellness.”

Dr. Victoria Lee, chief medical health officer, Fraser Health

“A person should be able to access effective and responsive services and supports, regardless of where he or she is in the process of recovery from addiction, mental illness, or both. Intensive case management teams work with the most vulnerable people, with severe substance-use disorders, to afford them the right to live, work, learn and participate fully in the community. Managing day-to-day activities, such as banking and grocery shopping, is often taken for granted, but they are important steps in successfully engaging in care, regaining independence and contributing to the community.”

• The Building BC: Rapid Response to Homelessness program was launched in September 2017, with a provincial investment of $291 million to build 2,000 homes throughout B.C., and more than $170 million over three years for 24/7 staffing and support services.
• To date, more than 1,700 new homes for people most in need are in development in 19 communities throughout the province.
• Budget 2018 provides further supports for people experiencing homelessness, with funding for an additional 2,500 new units of supportive housing and support services.
• The Province will be working with people with lived experience, local governments and community partners to develop a homelessness action plan, to reduce homelessness through permanent housing and services.
• The Province invested $550,000 to fund homeless counts in up to 12 communities, during March and April 2018, to help inform B.C.’s homelessness action plan. Preliminary results from the account are expected to be released in the early summer 2018.

Find out what the Province is doing to improve housing affordability.