COWICHAN VALLEY – New Democrat MLA Doug Routley says vulnerable people in the Cowichan region will have greater access to local services which will help tackle homelessness as the community recovers from the impacts of the pandemic.

“Local governments play a big role in helping people who are facing homelessness by connecting people with the services they need,” said Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan. “I am encouraged to see so many municipal governments in the Cowichan Valley work together to provide housing for our most vulnerable and I am confident this grant will go a long way in supporting their efforts.”

North Cowichan is receiving $2,468,812.00 in joint provincial and federal funding for their “It Takes a Village: Housing the Unsheltered Population of the Cowichan Valley” project, in partnership with the Cowichan Valley Regional District, Duncan, Ladysmith, and Lake Cowichan. The project will expand temporary housing capacity by creating additional units throughout the region and increase outreach services at an existing shelter in Ladysmith. Peer-based support programs will also be developed and implemented throughout the region.

MLA Routley says this investment is part of the Strengthening Communities Program which is providing support to 48 communities across B.C. Over $76 million will support local governments to combat the impacts of homelessness and keep their communities safe and healthy as they recover from the pandemic.

John Horgan and the BC New Democrat government is providing the support people need to build a recovery that leaves no one behind.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021MUNI0044-001589