WHEREAS local governments in British Columbia face a growing challenge of homelessness and local governments have been forced to deal with homelessness issues that fall under the mandate of the Province of British Columbia, including but not limited to health care, housing and immediate access to support programs, on an ad hoc and fragmented basis; AND WHEREAS various pertinent ministries, local governments, social service agencies, health authorities, housing authorities, and police forces are allocating significant resources to dealing with homelessness issues, which often stem from mental health andor substance abuse issues, in an uncoordinated manner, resulting in duplication and overlapping of efforts: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request that the Province of British Columbia develop a comprehensive, coordinated and sustainable province-wide homelessness plan that sets out a series of actions, timelines and financial requirements aimed at ending homelessness in the province, while supporting community-led initiatives on homelessness, in a compassionate, dignified and fiscally responsible manner; And be it further resolved that UBCM, through FCM, ask the federal government to agree to a federally funded national housing strategy.
Ministry of Natural Gas Development Minister Responsible for Housing We recognize that affordable housing is key to poverty-reduction efforts and lowering the costs of healthcare, criminal justice services and social services. The recently updated provincial housing strategy, Housing Matters BC 2014, reconfirms the Province of British Columbias commitment to helping vulnerable people find a way out of homelessness with access to affordable housing and appropriate supports. Since 2001, we have invested more than 4.4 billion to provide affordable housing for low income individuals, seniors and families. In addition, the number of provincially-subsidized apartments and shelter spaces available for the homeless and those at risk of homelessness has more than doubled to over 13,200. This year, more than 102,500 B.C. households will benefit from provincial social housing programs and services.