MAPLE RIDGE – New Democrat MLAs Bob D’Eith  and Lisa Beare say vulnerable people in Maple Ridge will have greater access to local services which will help tackle homelessness as the community recovers from the impacts of the pandemic.

“The pandemic has put greater pressure on the organizations and services that support people who are unsheltered,” said Bob D’Eith, MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission. “This funding allows us to accelerate our response to homelessness, so that as our province recovers from the impacts of COVID-19, we can create a better future for everyone.”

Maple Ridge is receiving over $1.2 million in joint provincial and federal funding to support implementing a comprehensive, interdisciplinary suite of activities aimed at providing immediate, urgent services to unsheltered homeless people in the community. This will be in partnership with local First Nations, community members, social/health service providers and protective service agencies and will include a temporary Maple Ridge Community Resource Hub.

“We are investing in the immediate needs of people who are experiencing homelessness, including a resource hub with showers and health care, as well as outreach coordinators to connect people with the services they need to move forward,” said Lisa Beare, MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows. “Alongside our investments in housing, we are taking action to address homelessness and build a stronger community.”

MLAs D’Eith and Beare say 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