ABBOTSFORD– New Democrat MLA Pam Alexis says that people who are unhoused will have more access to support services in Abbotsford as a result of provincial funding. 

“Our communities are at their best when we are taking care of one another,” said Pam Alexis, MLA for Abbotsford-Mission. “Funding local projects and services that are nuanced in their approach is vital to supporting our unhoused neighbours.”

The City of Abbotsford is receiving $625, 000 to respond to the impacts of homelessness through the project Building Bridges for Service Integration. This project will address increasing real and perceived safety challenges involving people experiencing homelessness, including for youth, and help build the service and response continuum through two programs, CEDAR Outreach and Project SWIFT. 

The BC New Democrat government is investing more than $15 million into projects in 44 communities as part of the Strengthening Communities’ Services Program. This funding stream supports local governments and modern Treaty Nations in building additional capacity to address the needs of unsheltered people in their communities, while also keeping people safe and healthy. 

The projects will include services such as outreach and mental health supports, creating new temporary shelters for people experiencing homelessness, and expanding shelter availability during potential extreme weather events through the program’s second intake. This investment is in addition to the $76 million provided to local governments and modern Treaty Nations through this program in 2021.  

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.