Image: M. Vanden Bosch / Fraser Valley Today / File

By Fraser Valley Today Staff

Homeless Shelter

Abbotsford Lonzo encampment closed for shelter construction

Jun 30, 2023 | 2:46 PM

ABBOTSFORD — The provincial government says it has taken a significant in the fight against homelessness in Abbotsford with the closure of the encampment at Lonzo Road and Sumas Way. The site is now a construction zone as workers begin to build a new temporary 50-bed shelter.

In a news release Friday (Jun. 30), the Ministry of Housing says the Lonzo Road site has been fenced off to facilitate construction preparations. The 17 individuals residing at the encampment were offered indoor housing, and those who accepted were assisted in relocating to shelter spaces or provided with rent supplements to utilize in the private market. Others chose to relocate independently.

The province announced plans to clear the encampment and build a temporary facility earlier this month.

“We understand it is a challenging situation for those who were sheltering at the site, and for people currently experiencing homelessness in Abbotsford,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing. “We have made progress with the site now cleared and people sheltering at the encampment who accepted offers for shelter have received it, but there is more work to do.

The construction of the new shelter is projected to be completed by the end of 2023. Initially, it will function for up to 18 months, serving as a temporary solution until a permanent shelter location is secured. The Homeless Action Plan is providing approximately $4 million through BC Housing for the new Lonzo shelter, which will be managed by the Lookout Housing and Health Society.

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With the Lonzo site now secured, the Province will collaborate with Abbotsford to introduce the Homeless Encampment Action Response Teams (HEART) program in the fall. The program aims to support individuals in encampments on their journey towards stable housing.