BURNABY – The city’s New Democrat MLAs say that people who are unhoused will have more access to support services in Burnaby as a result of provincial funding.
“It’s important that services for unhoused people in our community can meet people where they are at, in an approachable and accessible way,” said Janet Routledge, MLA for Burnaby North. “This funding will support outreach so that we can provide needed care and compassion to people while connecting them with other resources that can help them thrive.”
The City of Burnaby is receiving $873,464 for the project titled Extending Outreach Services to Homeless Individuals in Burnaby. This project will extend temporary, incremental outreach services to address the needs of unsheltered individuals in the community. The city will work with a non-profit to provide these services.
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.
QUOTES
Anne Kang, MLA for Burnaby-Deer Lake
“In recent years, the pandemic and toxic drug crisis have increased the strain on our communities and the organizations that respond to homelessness. I’m glad to see this additional funding for Burnaby to help meet the needs of unhoused people and keep everyone in our city safe and healthy.”
Katrina Chen, MLA for Burnaby-Lougheed
“Everyone in Burnaby deserves access to care and services to stay healthy, including a safe place to stay. As we continue working to address homelessness from all angles, this funding will support crucial outreach services for our unhoused neighbours.”
Raj Chouhan, MLA for Burnaby-Edmonds
“Burnaby is a diverse and caring community, and we have so many people working hard to address and prevent homelessness. This funding will support their vital work, helping people and our city to be stronger and more resilient.”