Responding to an urgent need in the community, the Government of B.C. is opening a new temporary shelter to ensure people experiencing homelessness have a warm, dry and safe place to stay throughout the winter season.
In partnership with the City of West 91´ó»ÆѼ and the West 91´ó»ÆѼ Shelter Society, the province is funding up to 40 new shelter spaces at First United Church, 3672 Brown Rd. The shelter will be open 24 hours, seven days a week. Shelter guests will have access to laundry, showers and opportunities to meet with representatives from health and other social service agencies, according to a government issued news release.
RELATED: New homeless shelter opens in West 91´ó»ÆѼ
The new shelter is expected to open by Christmas and will help relieve pressure from four other provincially funded shelters in the 91´ó»ÆѼ area running at or near capacity on a nightly basis. The four shelters include:
91´ó»ÆѼ’s Gospel Mission: 60 beds
NOW Canada’s shelter for women and children: 20 beds
Cornerstone co-ed shelter: 80 beds
Inn from the Cold: 35 beds
More temporary shelters and extreme weather shelters may be added throughout the season as needed and where appropriate. These temporary shelter spaces supplement the almost 2,000 permanent, year-round shelter spaces available throughout British Columbia, the release said.
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