BC NDP MLAs say provincial partnership will expand New West shelter hours to 24/7
NEW WESTMINSTER – New Democrat MLAs Jennifer Whiteside and Raj Chouhan say that a new partnership between the Province and the City of New Westminster will help the city expand shelter services for those experiencing homelessness.
“Having a safe indoor place to rest and regroup allows folks who are living outside to take the steps they need to stabilize their lives,” said Jennifer Whiteside, MLA for New Westminster-Coquitlam. “I know this expanded service will be a key part of our community’s efforts to address and end homelessness.”
With provincial funding through BC Housing, the current 50-bed nightly shelter at 502 Columbia Street will be renovated and transition to 24 /7 operation. BC Housing and the City are continuing to explore additional partnership opportunities for the future.
“Providing 24/7 access to shelter space means more people will be able to access the services and supports they need and bring more dignity to their daily lives,” said Raj Chouhan, MLA for Burnaby-New Westminster. “It’s an example of the progress that is possible when different levels of government can come together with a shared vision.
New Westminster is joining 14 other local governments who are partnering with the Province to put in place HEART (Homeless and Encampment Response Teams) and/or HEARTH (Homeless and Encampment Response Temporary Housing Solutions) programs.
This work is part of the Province’s Belonging in B.C. plan to help prevent homelessness and bring more people indoors quickly. Since 2017, the Province has more than 93,600 homes delivered or underway in communities throughout B.C. This includes 1,047 spaces of temporary housing and shelter in these communities with more underway.