On October 12, 2007, the Province of British Columbia announced measures to help break the cycle of homelessness. Built on the foundations of Housing Matters BC and the work of the Premier's Task Force on Homelessness, Mental Illness and Addictions, the plan introduces a range of new and expanded measures to provide housing, services and stability to those in greatest need.

New and expanded measures to break the cycle of homelessness
On October 12, 2007, the Province of B.C. announced a range of new and expanded measures to break the cycle of homelessness. These measures focus on outreach and intervention on the street and providing more permanent housing with supports, to help people regain their independence:

24/7 Emergency Shelters - Increase funding for emergency shelters so they can be open 24/7 to provide better services and assistance for those who are homeless;

Expanding Homeless Outreach - Expanding homeless outreach services to 27 new and existing communities;

Homeless Outreach Rent Supplements - Provide 750 rent supplement units to assist the homeless in the private market; and

Fast-Track Approvals - The Province will fund pre-development costs to ensure city-owned sites will be ready for the start of construction of new supportive housing within a year. Pre-development costs include costs for third-party work, such as architectural, geotechnical and environmental plans and studies. Click here for more information on expediting the municipal approval process.

Click here for more information on the new and expanded measures .

For more information

Back to Housing Matters BC page.