BC Gov News
People experiencing or at risk of homelessness now have more safe places to stay with the opening of 25 additional temporary shelter spaces at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre (VNFC) in Saanich, bringing its total number of overnight shelter spaces to 50.
“Expanding shelter spaces is a critical step in our commitment to bringing people indoors, keeping people safe and communities strong,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “We’re working throughout the province to deliver the supports that help people find warmth, safety and stability during difficult times.”
The 25 new overnight shelter spaces at 231 Regina Ave. are open and available to people 19 years of age and older. Individuals needing a shelter space can call VNFC from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. daily at 250 886-1360 to check availability and to pre-register to get on the beds list. VNFC provides a variety of services to shelter guests, such as meals, showers and access to laundry services, and will also supply transportation services to pick up and drop off shelter guests at designated locations.
Adding additional temporary shelter capacity in Saanich will help take the pressure off service providers in Victoria and ensure people experiencing homelessness in the region have a safe place indoors this winter.
“Adding 25 new temporary shelter beds will allow us to offer immediate relief and support to more people in need, especially as we head into the colder months,” said Ron Rice – Wush’q, executive director, Victoria Native Friendship Centre. “At VNFC, we recognize the urgent crisis that homelessness presents and will continue to advocate for solutions to support our most vulnerable community members.”
The spaces are being funded through BC Housing’s temporary winter shelter program and will remain open nightly until April 30, 2026.
While shelters provide immediate relief to people experiencing homelessness, the Province is continuing to prioritize long-term solutions to the homelessness crisis. The Belonging in B.C. homelessness plan is helping people move into permanent, stable housing.
Since 2017, the Province has more than 93,600 homes delivered or underway, including almost 6,200 in Greater Victoria. Of those, 1,400 are in Saanich.
Quotes:
Nina Krieger, MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake –
“More shelter beds mean more people have a safe place to go when they need it the most. These new spaces will help protect people and give them the support they deserve.”
Dean Murdock, mayor, Saanich –
“Saanich is grateful for the commitment of BC Housing and the Victoria Native Friendship Centre in supporting Saanich’s unhoused residents. The creation of these additional shelter spaces will significantly improve the lives of vulnerable community members by offering them warmth and security during the coldest months of the year.”
Marianne Alto, mayor, Victoria –
“I commend the Province and the District of Saanich for supporting the creation of new shelter spaces at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre. Expanding shelter options to meet the urgent needs of our unhoused residents is crucial. It is heartening to see Saanich step up and lead the way for municipalities outside the city. Every Capital Regional District municipality must provide adequate shelter for their own residents in need.”
Learn More:
To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for people in British Columbia, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/housing/
A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is available online: https://www.bchousing.org/homes-for-BC
To read the Belonging in B.C. plan, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BelongingStrategy.pdf