Unhoused To Have More Access To Support Services Across The North Island

New Democrat MLA Michele Babchuk says people who are unhoused will have more access to support services in communities across the North Island as a result of provincial funding.

New Democrat MLA Michele Babchuk says people who are unhoused will have more access to support services in communities across the North Island as a result of provincial funding.

The Strathcona Regional District, in partnership with Campbell River, is receiving $382,300 to respond to the impacts of homelessness through the project Strathcona 2022-23 Unsheltered Homelessness Response.

This project will extend programs that have already been established but have seen an increased demand because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

These programs provide support for unsheltered individuals by helping increase food access, medical support, and social services, while assisting different organizations in working together to build a coordinated and community-led approach that prioritizes health and safety of the community.

Port Hardy will see $111,698 through the project, to fund additional year-round shelter beds.

The province is investing more than $15 million into projects in 44 communities as part of the Strengthening Communities’ Services Program.

The funding stream supports local governments and modern Treaty Nations in building additional capacity to address the needs of unsheltered people in their communities, while also keeping people safe and healthy.

The projects will include services such as outreach and mental health supports, creating new temporary shelters for people experiencing homelessness, and expanding shelter availability during potential extreme weather events through the program’s second intake.

This investment is in addition to the $76 million provided to local governments and modern Treaty Nations through this program in 2021.