Whereas local governments across British Columbia continue to collaborate with provincial authorities in addressing homelessness and housing challenges, recognizing the Provinces responsibility for housing, healthcare, and encampments; And whereas initiatives led by the Province through various programs aim to provide housing solutions and support services for unhoused individuals, requiring close coordination between provincial and local government agencies; And whereas local governments acknowledge the complexities of responding to homelessness and the critical role of the Province in providing resources and expertise, with a commitment to supporting these efforts and advocating for effective collaboration between all stakeholders: Therefore be it resolved that the UBCM emphasize to the provincial government the importance of expediting proposed transitional shelter facilities and supportive housing projects in partnership with relevant provincial agencies to address immediate and long-term housing needs.
Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs The Province is committed to ensuring vulnerable people have access to safe and affordable housing. The Province remains committed to working with partners at all levels to coordinate services and housing to address homelessness and recognizes that improved processes can strengthen the outcomes of people experiencing homelessness. Supportive housing is a critical step towards breaking the cycle of homelessness and towards greater independence, stability, and improved quality of life. Local governments play a key role in the successful planning and implementation of supportive housing and shelter facilities through their leadership in identifying appropriate sites, approving rezoning, and supporting local partnerships. To support encampment response, the Province and BC Housing work with partners to provide people living outdoors and in encampments with better access to a range of support services and housing options through the Homeless Encampment Action Response Team HEART and the Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing HEARTH programs. HEART delivers integrated supports and services to people sheltering in encampments in collaboration with multiple ministries and agencies; HEARTH focuses on rapidly deploying shelter and temporary housing options as interim solutions while permanent options are underway. The programs are community-specific and informed by local partners. System transformation initiatives are also underway in partnership with local communities, the federal government, and BC Housing. To better match individuals with suitable shelter and housing and integrate service delivery and outreach, the Province is working to support a more integrated local governance and broader coordination of services, including work to ensure data driven approaches locally and provincially. The Province will continue to work with ministry, federal, BC Housing, and local communities to respond to the complexities of homelessness.