Image: B.C. Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon with Abbotsford Mayor Ross Siemens at housing announcement in Abbotsford Friday, April 26, 2024. / Facebook - Ravi Kahlon

By Fraser Valley Today Staff

Homelessness

Abbotsford set to introduce over 220 shelter spaces to combat homelessness

Apr 26, 2024 | 11:47 AM

ABBOTSFORD — The provincial government and the City of Abbotsford are set to roll out over 220 new shelter spaces and supportive homes. The initiative was announced Friday (Apr. 26) morning in Abbotsford. It was formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MOU), with a goal to provide immediate support to individuals experiencing homelessness in the community.

“Homelessness is a problem that affects everyone, and programs, such as Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH), are supporting people experiencing homelessness to build a better life,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing.

The MOU encompasses the development of new shelter and housing options under BC Housing’s HEARTH program, along with support for those residing in encampments through the Homeless Encampment Action Response Team (HEART) program.

Included in the agreement are 111 new temporary shelter spaces across Abbotsford, including Sumas Shelter, Lighthouse Shelter, and a proposed shelter at Montvue Ave. On top of that, the provincial government has backed the establishment of additional shelter and supportive housing buildings, such as the Lonzo shelter and a men’s transitional building.

“Abbotsford is a community that looks after its own and these more than 220 shelter spaces for those who are experiencing housing insecurity will be a tremendous help for people who need them,” said Pam Alexis, MLA for Abbotsford Mission. “We are grateful to be working with partners, like the City of Abbotsford, Lookout Housing Society and Archway Community Services Society, to deliver supports for people in need. This is an important step to reducing homelessness in our community.”

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Operational responsibilities for several shelters will be assumed by organizations like Lookout Housing and Health Society, Archway Community Services Society, and Kinghaven Peardonville House Society.

“The circumstances of those experiencing homelessness are varied and complicated, which makes it an extremely difficult issue to address, and a growing public-safety concern for our community,” said Ross Siemens, mayor of Abbotsford. “This MOU with the Province, and the HEART and HEARTH programs mean we’ll be able to help more people move out of encampments by providing increased access to a variety of shelter options and meeting the needs of the most vulnerable members of our community.”

In a government news release, the province says the Belonging in BC homelessness plan will add nearly 4,000 new supportive housing units and 240 complex-care spaces provincewide.