New units will help achieve Project Civil City objectives
Mayor Sam Sullivan and Councillor Kim Capri today welcomed a significant social housing announcement by Premier Gordon Campbell and Housing Minister Rich Coleman. Vancouver’s Civil City Commissioner Geoff Plant also attended the announcement at Vancouver’s Lookout Emergency Aid Shelter.
“On behalf of the City of Vancouver, I want to thank Premier Campbell, Minister Coleman and the entire provincial government for their commitment to social and supportive housing,” said Mayor Sullivan. “This announcement will help us achieve the Project Civil City objectives we have identified. Working with all levels of government, we can deliver compassionate solutions to our social challenges.”
Today, the provincial government announced new and expanded measures to help break the cycle of homelessness with an added $41 million.
The measures include:
- more funding for emergency shelters so they can be open 24 hours a day/seven days a week
- expansion of homeless outreach services
- more rent supplement units
- pre-funded development costs to ensure city-owned sites will be ready for the start of construction of new supporting housing within a year
Mayor Sullivan and Councillor Capri introduced Project Civil City in November 2006 to identify specific steps and actions that can be undertaken by the City of Vancouver to respond to the issues of homelessness and street disorder in our community. The plan establishes goals toward the elimination of homelessness, the open drug market and aggressive panhandling.
“Today’s announcement is a significant step forward,” said Councillor Kim Capri. “In addition to taking a long term approach, it will have an immediate impact on the quality of life in our community. Through Housing Matters, the provincial government is demonstrating real leadership and proving they are sincere in their intent to resolve – not just manage – homelessness.”
Additional announcements supporting the goals and objectives of Project Civil City are expected in the coming weeks and months. Mayor Sullivan will formally declare October 15-21 as Homeless Action Week in Vancouver.
