Homelessness Partnering Strategy

Whereas the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Union of BC Municipalities recognize that homelessness is a national concern requiring long-term solutions; And whereas the 2011 to 2014 Homelessness Partnering Strategy HPS identified sixty-one Designated Communities in Canada, with seven in British Columbia, to be eligible for HPS funding; And whereas despite continued homelessness challenges in many communities across British Columbia, the 2014 to 2019 HPS program renewal did not include a review or update of eligible Designated Communities: Therefore be it resolved that the Union of BC Municipalities urge the federal government to: - Update the Homelessness Partnering Strategy Designated Communities eligibility list to reflect significant homelessness challenges faced by many communities not previously identified as having serious homelessness challenges; and - Amend the funding criteria to consider a broad range of factors including community capacity and the specific needs of individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness; And be it further resolved that federal government funding of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy be increased to take into account new communities added to the program.