DELTA- New Democrat MLA Ravi Kahlon says that people who are unhoused will have more access to support services in as a result of provincial funding.

“The unhoused community is still feeling the many impacts of the pandemic and it’s essential that we continue to strengthen supports,” said Ravi Kahlon, MLA for Delta-North. “This funding will ensure that we can help people recover after a very challenging few years.”

Delta is receiving $279,111 to respond to the impacts of homelessness through the project Delta Covid-19 Homelessness Response . This project responds to the immediate needs of vulnerable homeless individuals in Delta during the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery phase.

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.