Premier’s Task Force on Homelessness, Mental Illness and Addictions
Many local governments have developed policies and procedures that achieve superior results in dealing with the development of special needs housing and not-in-my-backyard (NIMBY). The experiences of five communities have been documented in case studies that may assist other local governments that are working to address homelessness and special housing needs. The following case studies examine the development of special needs housing facilities in Kamloops, Victoria, Nanaimo, Prince George, and Red Deer, Alberta.
Task Force Information
Task Force Background
At the UBCM conference in September 2004, the Premier announced the creation of the Premier’s Task Force on Homelessness, Mental Illness and Addictions. The mandate of Task Force is to develop innovative strategies to help people with addictions and mental illness move from temporary shelters to long-term, stable housing where their needs can be better met.
The Task Force brings together provincial and local governments to develop new resources to address issues related to homelessness. The Task Force members include the Premier, Ministers responsible for Community Services, Employment and Income Assistance, Health, and Housing, and mayors from the Cities of Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Nanaimo, Prince George, New Westminster and Surrey.
Provincial Homelessness Initiative
The programs implemented under the Provincial Homelessness Initiative form part of Housing Matters BC, the Province’s innovative and comprehensive housing strategy to help those in greatest need access safe, affordable housing.
Under the direction of the Task Force, the Provincial Homelessness Initiative was launched in December 2004. The strategies developed by the Task Force are implemented through the Provincial Homelessness Initiative. BC Housing is responsible for managing the program.
The Premier’s task force, through the Provincial Homelessness Initiative, has committed approximately
4,000 units across the Province. These new units integrate subsidized housing with support services for: people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness; people with mental illnesses and physical disabilities; those with drug and alcohol addictions; aboriginal peoples; youth; and women with children fleeing abusive relationships.
Milestones
| Project |
Year |
- Increased funding for emergency shelters by 40 percent
|
2004 |
- Three-year homeless outreach program;
- 533 supportive housing units.
|
2006 |
- Increased funding to emergency shelters by $27 million. Province now funds 1,281 emergency shelters a year;
- 758 supportive housing units;
- 996 supportive housing units through purchase of 11 Single Room Occupancy Hotels - News Release;
- Additional $41 million to: increase funding for emergency shelters so they can stay open 24 hours a day/seven days a week; expand homeless outreach services to 27 new communities; provide 750 rent supplements; and fund pre-development costs. News Release
|
2007 |
Local Government and Community Forums
The consultations provided an opportunity to share best practices with communities, raise regional and local issues, and initiate a discussion of local solutions. Eight regional forums between provincial authorities and local governments took place in June 2006. Forums were held in Castlegar, Kamloops, Smithers, Fort St. John, Abbotsford, North Vancouver, Campbell River and Colwood. The regional forums were attended by 56 local governments, and provincial representation included BC Housing, Ministry of Forests and Range, Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance, Ministry of Children and Family Development, and all Health Authorities.
Eight web-based forums on homelessness were held during September 2006. Participants included more than 90 non profit organizations, service providers, and interested parties. The Office of Housing and Construction Standards compiled the reports of these consultations and developed an executive summary outlining common themes raised during the forums. View the summary and reports
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