Plans for 40 bed homeless shelter unveiled in Surrey during Homelessness Action Week

In recognition of Homelessness Action week October 11 to October 17, the provincial government unveiled plans for a 40 bed homeless shelter that is due to be opened in Surrey this November.

The shelter will be located at the Dell Hotel, and will be open 24/7 until March 2016, serving three meals a day to residents.

“Opening additional shelters during the winter is a critical step in addressing homelessness in this province,” said Rich Coleman, Minister of Natural Gas Development and Minister Responsible for Housing in a press release. “We have to ensure B.C.’s most vulnerable people have safe shelter when they need it most – only then are we able connect them with the support services that will set them up for more stable, permanent housing.”

In addition to the new shelter, the province will also be providing additional funding to Extreme Weather Response shelters, which will be opened as needed between November and April.

“The City of Surrey, together with our partners, are making good on fulfilling the need for a winter shelter,” said Mayor of Surrey Linda Hepner in the release. “It’s our belief that a winter shelter will help very street-entrenched people to stabilize, become healthier and, for some, to move into more permanent housing and connect with mental health and addiction services.”

More information on shelters in British Columbia, and a map of facilities near you, can be found on the B.C. Housing website.