RICHMOND – New Democrat MLAs Kelly Greene, Henry Yao and Aman Singh say vulnerable people in Richmond will have greater access to local services which will help tackle homelessness as the community recovers from the impacts of the pandemic.

“Everyone in Richmond deserves a safe place to rest and clean up,” said Kelly Greene, MLA for Richmond-Steveston. “As we work to reduce homelessness with more supportive and affordable housing, this funding for a drop-in centre and shower program will help us address an immediate need to keep people healthier and safer.”

Richmond is receiving $3,348,947 in joint provincial and federal funding for their Homelessness Action Plan in Response to COVID-19. Planned actions include building improvements to create a drop-in centre and shower program, and enhancing available winter accommodation options.

“A drop-in centre will give people who are experiencing homelessness a welcoming, stigma-free place to rest during the day and find supports,” said Henry Yao, MLA for Richmond South Centre. “It will also help people find and maintain social connections, which are important for overall wellbeing.”

The MLAs 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.

“The pandemic has highlighted existing issues of inequality that contribute to homelessness,” said Aman Singh, MLA for Richmond-Queensborough. “As we continue our strong recovery, this funding is one of many actions we’re taking to ensure the most vulnerable in our community are supported now and into the future.”

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

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/25133