Whereas the number of people experiencing homelessness or housing instability across the Province has been increasing at an unprecedented rate; And whereas the Province has invested considerable funds in supportive housing, the majority of which operate as low barrier facilities making it challenging for individuals in recovery to secure housing options that support an addiction-free lifestyle: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the Province to establish a Provincial Housing Coordinator to work directly with those persons who are experiencing homelessness and who are not in need of supports, to find suitable housing.
Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs The Province recognizes that different housing environments are necessary to meet diverse community needs and support resident choice in their housing based on their individual wellness goals. The Province supports a housing first approach which is a proven international evidence-based housing model that recognizes people are better able to improve their wellbeing if they are first housed. Housing is one part of a multifaceted approach to supporting those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. To improve systems coordination by streamlining access to services, the Province is working in partnership with local communities, the Federal government, and BC Housing BCH to implement a Coordinated Access system which will better match individuals with suitable housing and help relieve the burden on the individual to navigate services and systems. The Province, through BCH, funds outreach and support services through the Homeless Outreach Program and Homeless Encampment Action Response Teams. Through these programs, outreach workers meet their clients in both urban and rural regions of BC to determine housing needs, connect people to required services, and try to connect them with housing that is appropriate and available. The Province, through BCH, also provides portable rent supplements aimed at reducing and preventing homelessness for families Rental Assistance Program, seniors Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters, and individuals Homeless Prevention Program, Supported Rent Supplement Program SRSP and Canada BC Housing Benefit programs to access rental housing in the private non-subsidized housing market. SRSP provides both a rent supplement as well as support services to help individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness to access health and social supports to improve housing stability.