Whereas homelessness is a complex and multifaceted challenge that affects communities across BC, rural and urban, and there is a lack of a coordinated regional strategy and insufficient resources worsen this issue, leaving many vulnerable populations without adequate housing, and shelter; And whereas concentration of shelter beds and supportive housing can create unsustainable pressure on local resources and services in some communities while leaving other communities underserviced: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM advocate that the provincial government coordinate a regional approach to homelessness by increasing funding and resources for supportive housing and shelter initiatives across the province, and foster collaboration and coordination among local governments, provincial agencies, First Nation governments, Indigenous organizations, nonprofits, housing authorities, and community members.
Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs The Province is 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. The Coordinated Access and Homeless Individuals and Families Information System HIFIS Alignment Project the Alignment Project is in partnership with the federal government, provincial government, and community partners, including Indigenous partners, to work together to align, build upon and improve the existing, local response to homelessness. The Alignment Project commits to achieving more integrated governance and broader coordination of services by establishing new governance structures which facilitate collaboration and coordination with local community services providers, Indigenous organizations, BC Housing, and provincial teams. Use of HIFIS will improve understanding of homelessness in communities and regions and support improvements in coordination of services, matching people to services and housing, and will inform decision making. This project is starting in 10 communities, developing standards and processes that can be implemented in other communities and regions. It is expected that this partnership with result in better services for people experiencing and at-risk of homelessness, leading to greater collective impact and more positive housing outcomes across the province. The Province will continue to work with ministry, federal, BC Housing and local communities to respond to the complexities of homelessness.