Whereas the affordable housing and addiction crises have created an untenable situation with street disorder in BC communities; And whereas the provincial government has assigned supportive housing targets across BC without the inclusion of the proportionate number of detox and treatment facilities: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs to urgently pursue the delivery of supportive rental units within the housing target guidelines given to municipalities; And be it further resolved that that the Minister of Health ensure that these units are met with the proportionate number of detox beds, appropriate treatment facilities, andor virtual addiction care required for each community.
Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs Supportive Housing is a critical homelessness response and prevention initiative helping to house and stabilize at-risk populations. It is a key component of municipal and provincial partnerships to address homelessness. The planning and delivery of Supportive Housing is a complex process, requiring sustained partnership between municipalities, BC Housing, the Province, the federal government, non-profit organizations and housing operators. The Supportive Housing model is a broad approach to delivering housing with on-site support to diverse populations with varying service needs who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Under the Housing Supply Act, the Province has the authority to set Housing Target Orders for specified municipalities in BC. Housing targets are set using a standardized methodology. The Housing Targets Program seeks to increase the supply of permanent, self-contained separate entrance, kitchen and bathroom, long-term tenure housing units. Housing unit breakdown guidelines by size, tenure, and affordability are provided to each municipality to support the delivery of diverse housing needs within each community, including supportive rental units. However, the unit breakdowns are guidelines only and are not enforced through Housing Target Orders. The Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs continues to work with municipalities and through BC Housing to increase the development of new Supportive Housing to meet or exceed guidelines. The Province recognizes the important link between Supportive Housing and addictions treatment systems. Efforts continue to strengthen pathways between and increase access to both the housing and addictions care systems.