PORT MOODY – New Democrat MLAs Mike Farnworth and Rick Glumac say that people who are unhoused will have more access to support services in the Tri-Cities as a result of provincial funding.
“Amazing work is being done around the Tri-Cities to ensure that our most vulnerable community members are supported,” said Rick Glumac, MLA for Port Moody-Coquitlam. “It’s exciting to see the progress being made and the difference it makes to not only individuals but our communities at large. I’m thrilled to be part of a government that is helping strengthen services for people facing homelessness and helping people get back on their feet.”
Port Moody and Port Coquitlam are receiving $877,297 to respond to the impacts of homelessness through the Strengthening Homeless Services for the Tri-Cities project. This project will expand outreach, including evening outreach, peer support, and mental health support.
“People in the Tri-Cities take pride in making our community a better place to live for everyone,” said Mike Farnworth, MLA for Port Coquitlam. “For too long people experiencing homelessness were overlooked but together with local governments, we are working to get people the services and supports they need.”
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.