B.C Commits $149,000 In Emergency Funding To Residents Facing Homelessness

B.C. Secures Housing For People at risk of homelessness in Abbotsford

ABBOTSFORD – The Province, through BC Housing, has secured affordable housing for the Many Ways Home Housing Society residents who were facing eviction in Abbotsford.

“Our government took decisive action to ensure these residents would not be left without housing and can continue to access the supports they need,” said David Eby, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing. “Everyone deserves safe, affordable housing in the community they call home.”

The Province is providing more than $149,000 in temporary emergency funding to ensure that 19 residents at risk of homelessness can remain housed after the Many Ways Home Housing Society announced it would dissolve. The residents have been living in five different homes in Abbotsford. Thanks to this immediate funding, BC Housing has brought in a new operator to support these residents, ensuring no one is displaced.

Phoenix Drug and Alcohol Recovery and Education Society will be the temporary operator and is working to ensure a seamless transition in care. Residents will be able to access Phoenix services, such as employment help and connection to health services. Rental agreements will be taken on by the Phoenix Society, which will review property costs, connect with local resident resources and develop a community action plan for long-term tenant sustainability.

“Phoenix Society is grateful to be provided the opportunity to support the 19 residents who were at risk of homelessness. We look forward to working with and supporting them toward long-term housing stability,” said Keir Macdonald, CEO, Phoenix Society. “Thank you to the Province and BC Housing for providing this vital emergency funding and for the support provided by the City of Abbotsford in working towards a plan to help maintain housing for all residents impacted by the upcoming dissolution of Many Ways Home Society. As homelessness continues to rise in Abbotsford and across the entire region, we must work together toward ensuring everyone has a place to call home.”

BC Housing is in ongoing discussions with non-profit societies to find a permanent operational model for this program and will make further details public once a decision has been made.

“The City of Abbotsford is grateful to the Province, BC Housing, and Phoenix Drug and Alcohol Recovery and Education Society for ensuring these valuable services continue to be provided to vulnerable residents in our community,” said Henry Braun, mayor of Abbotsford. “We know that housing is a key determinant of health and well-being, and the city will continue to advocate for these important services to be supported in Abbotsford.”

Learn More:

A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is available online: https://www.bchousing.org/homes-for-BC

To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for British Columbians, visit: https://workingforyou.gov.bc.ca/

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