WHEREAS the number of people who are homeless has doubled in the Lower Mainland and increased throughout the province in the past two years; AND WHEREAS only one in five street homeless in the Lower Mainland is on welfare and receiving employment assistance; AND WHEREAS it is impossible to find a job and participate in the economy without first having a place to live and impossible to get a place to live without an income: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the UBCM urge the provincial government to reduce the barriers and revise the eligibility criteria for accessing the BC Employment and Assistance program to ensure that the street homeless can access those benefits.
Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance The causes and symptoms of homelessness are complex. Homelessness studies across North America, including Vancouvers study, indicate that homeless people may have serious barriers to self-sufficiency, such as mental illness, severe addictions, low social functioning ability and self-esteem. Persons who indicate to BC Employment and Assistance staff that they have an urgent medical, food or shelter need are eligible for an expedited application. The Premier established a Task Force at the UBCM conference in September 2004 as part of the provincial governments multi-level plan to tackle the challenges of homelessness, mental illness and addictions. The Task Force includes mayors from: Nanaimo, Victoria, Vancouver, Surrey, New Westminster, Kelowna and Prince George. The Minister Responsible for Housing and the Ministers of Employment and Income Assistance and Health are members from the provincial government.