The B.C. Ministry of Housing and the City of Abbotsford have announced plans to provide 220 new shelter spaces to serve the city’s homeless population. This initiative is part of a commitment by the municipal and provincial governments to offer rapid support to those in need. Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon highlighted the importance of programs like Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) in helping individuals experiencing homelessness to improve their lives. The new shelter spaces will be distributed among existing shelters as well as two new shelter and supportive housing buildings in Abbotsford.
Specifically, 59 new spaces will be added at the Sumas Shelter, 22 at the Lighthouse Shelter, and 30 at a newly proposed shelter on Montvue Avenue. The province is also supporting the construction of two additional shelter and supportive housing buildings, including 50 beds at Lonzo Shelter and 60 units at a Men’s Transitional building. These efforts are aimed at addressing the issue of homelessness in Abbotsford and providing much-needed support to those facing housing insecurity. Pam Alexis, MLA for Abbotsford Mission, expressed gratitude for the collaboration between the City of Abbotsford, Lookout Housing Society, and Archway Community Services Society in delivering these vital services.
The Sumas, Lonzo, and Lighthouse shelters will be operated by Lookout Housing and Health Society, while the proposed shelter at Montvue Avenue will be managed by Archway Community Services. Additionally, the Bob Sutton Centre will be operated by Kinghaven Peardonville House Society. The goal is to open 59 spaces at the Sumas shelter in the spring, 30 spaces at the Montvue Avenue shelter in the summer, and 22 spaces at the Lighthouse Shelter in the fall. These initiatives aim to provide much-needed support to individuals experiencing homelessness in Abbotsford and help reduce the overall level of homelessness in the community.
The new shelter spaces in Abbotsford represent a significant step in addressing the issue of homelessness in the city and offering support to those in need. The collaborative efforts between the provincial government, the City of Abbotsford, and various community organizations demonstrate a commitment to providing rapid assistance to individuals facing housing insecurity. With the implementation of programs like HEARTH and the construction of new shelter and supportive housing buildings, the hope is to make a positive impact on the lives of those experiencing homelessness in Abbotsford. This initiative is part of a larger strategy to reduce homelessness in the community and create a more supportive and compassionate environment for all residents.
Overall, the announcement of 220 new shelter spaces in Abbotsford is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to address homelessness in the city. The support from the provincial government, along with partnerships with community organizations, highlights a collaborative approach to meeting the needs of individuals experiencing housing insecurity. By expanding existing shelters and building new supportive housing units, the initiative aims to provide a more comprehensive response to the issue of homelessness in Abbotsford. The implementation of these programs and facilities marks an important step towards creating a more inclusive and supportive community for all residents, especially those facing challenges related to housing instability.
