SURREY – New Democrat MLA Rachna Singh says that people who are unhoused will have more access to support services in Surrey as a result of provincial funding.

“Everyone in our communities deserve safe places to rest and recharge,” said Rachna Singh, MLA for Surrey-Green Timbers. “This funding for the REST Respite and Shelter for Targeted Support project will provide a respite space for citizens of Surrey, with enhanced supports for women and children.”

Surrey is receiving $1,159,440 to respond to the impacts of homelessness through the project REST- Respite & Shelter for Targeted Support. This project will focus on two themes: enhanced services for women and children and enhanced respite space. Services provided under these two themes will deliver targeted drop in and shelter spaces to support women and children, Indigenous people and other unsheltered populations across Surrey.

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.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022MUNI0043-001280