Submitted. The B.C. Government will fund 15 extreme weather spaces in Mission this winter to increase emergency shelter space when weather conditions threaten the safety and health of individuals. These temporary spaces will be available from the beginning of November until the end of March, whenever the community issues an extreme weather alert.
“Extreme weather conditions threaten both the health and safety of those without permanent shelter,” said Marc Dalton, MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission. “The Extreme Weather Response program provides an effective temporary solution to help protect those who are homeless from the extreme conditions during the late fall through winter months.”
“I am happy to see these new emergency shelter spaces in Mission,” said Simon Gibson, MLA for Abbotsford-Mission. “Cold and extreme weather is a serious concern for those without shelter. These spaces provide emergency respite when extreme weather can put people in jeopardy.”
The shelter will have 15 spaces, and be located at Mission Community Services (Haven in the Hallow), 32646 Logan Avenue.
Extreme weather shelters supplement the more than 1,800 permanent, year-round shelter beds available in B.C., more than double the number of beds that were available in 2001. The B.C. government also funds outreach teams to help connect people with a range of community services in more than 60 communities. Province-wide, homeless outreach teams helped more than 6,700 individuals access stable housing last year.
Quick Facts:
· Across the province, the B.C. Government will provide up to $1.5 million this winter to make more than 1,100 temporary emergency shelter spaces available in over 80 communities
· 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
Find Out More:
· For more information on provincial affordable housing programs and efforts to end homelessness in British Columbia, please visit: www.housingmattersbc.ca/factsheets.html and www.bchousing.org