November 4, 2024
(press release)
–
INFORMATION BULLETIN For Immediate Release
VICTORIA – People experiencing homelessness in British Columbia will have access to warm, safe indoor spaces as winter weather arrives. The Province, through BC Housing, is funding 6,098 shelter spaces in 59 communities throughout B.C. this season, a 22% increase in spaces available compared to this time last year. These include permanent, temporary and extreme-weather response shelters, as well as HEARTH shelter spaces: In the coming weeks and months, BC Housing will finalize operating agreements to open more shelter spaces this season as communities identify additional sites. Additionally, through the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, the Province provides guidance and reimbursements to local authorities and First Nations for opening emergency warming centres during extreme weather to keep people safe. These centres help people warm up during cold weather and provide information about how to safely stay warm. Communities may be reimbursed for eligible costs to establish and operate warming centres, such as facility rental and incremental utility costs. BC Housing has implemented several changes during the past year to better support non-profit partners and community organizations as they prepare and administer their EWR plans. This includes additional funding to secure community co-ordinators and funding to help non-profits with costs associated with operating EWR programs. Learn More: For a map of all permanent, temporary and EWR shelters throughout communities in B.C., visit: https://smap.bchousing.org/ For the most current information about warming centres in their area, people are encouraged to visit their local community website, X (formerly Twitter) or Facebook. To learn more about HEARTH, visit: For the most current information about Emergency Warming Centres opened in their area, people are encouraged to visit their local community website, X (formerly Twitter) or Facebook. During winter weather emergencies, visit: www.EmergencyInfoBC.ca A backgrounder follows.
2024HOUS0179-001575
Nov. 4, 2024 Ministry of Housing
Indoor shelter spaces opening for winter
https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/homelessness-services/HEART-HEARTH
and for information about how to stay safe, follow @EmergencyInfoBC on X.
Contacts:
Ministry of Housing
Media Relations
236 478-0251
BC Housing
Media Relations
media@bchousing.org
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