WHEREAS the behaviours of people living with mental health, addictions and other chronic and social health issues without access to appropriate housing and related supports has a negative impact on the safety and economic development of our communities; AND WHEREAS low cost housing with appropriate outreach, social and health supports is a cost effective means of stabilizing and improving the lives of those living with these chronic issues: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Ministries of Social Development, Housing and Health work together to provide sufficient funding to local service providers and housing programs to address the needs of individuals living in our communities with mental health, addictions and other chronic social and health issues.
Ministry of Natural Gas Development Minister Responsible for Housing Government is committed to providing the best support for people facing challenges associated with mental illness, substance use and homelessness. The Province welcomes project proposals from any local government and works closely with municipalities and non-profit organizations to help increase the availability of affordable housing. Since 2007, the Province has committed 520 million to create more than 2,100 supportive housing units in eight communities for those who are homeless or at risk. More than twenty of these developments are open; the rest will open over the next two to three years. Each of these facilities is a partnership between the Province, local governments and community agencies. Supportive housing takes a housing first approach. First, get people into a safe environment where they can stabilize. Then connect them to services they need to begin rebuilding their lives. This includes addictions support and mental health services. The Province knows that supportive housing is less expensive and has better outcomes for the individual compared to a shelter bed and know that supportive housing works. In total, there are more than 7,500 units available for the homeless, with another 990 under development. The Province has also invested in facilities where individuals can access more intensive supports. In January 2013, the Chilliwack Health and Housing Contact Centre officially opened. There are 22 supportive apartments and a Health Centre providing a range of services. In November 2012, Quibble Creek opened in Surrey. It has 15 short-term recovery beds and 52 post-treatment apartments, a Sobering Centre to help individuals recover from acute intoxication and a Primary Health Care Service for people struggling with complex substance use issues. In December 2010, 3 million was invested to purchase the Baldy Hughes Addiction Centre in Prince George to make sure it remained open. The Ministry of Health provided a one-time grant of 500,000 in July 2010 to further support services at the Centre. In 2008, the Burnaby Centre for Mental Health and Addictions opened, a 100-bed treatment facility supporting medically stable adults, with a range of mental health and substance use problems and the first of its kind in British Columbia. The Province is committed to protecting those recovering from addiction challenges, through the use of Supportive Recovery Houses.