The Province and the Salvation Army will jointly extend funding for the 14-bed Pidcock House shelter in Courtenay for an additional nine months, to secure 24/7 access for those most in need in the community.
The funding for round-the-clock shelter operations was slated to expire June 30. The Salvation Army will provide the additional funding from July 1 to Oct. 1. The Province will provide the remaining funding required for extended hours until March 31, 2013, in addition to the funding already provided for the shelter to operate 14 hours per day.
The additional funding will also allow for the continuation of gateway service delivery at the same location instead of being divided between the shelter and Salvation Army offices.
“Everyone should have access to a safe warm place to sleep at night,” Comox Valley MLA Don McRae said in a news release. “The Province and the Salvation Army worked together to find a solution and keep round-the-clock shelter and support services available for those most in need. I want to thank the society for the work they do here in Courtenay and across our province.”
The agreement pleased Major Larry Martin of the Salvation Army’s B.C. division.
“We are thrilled that the Province of British Columbia has agreed to provide the additional funding needed to keep our shelter running 24/7 and in the process aiding us in our work of providing not only safe, stable shelter but also the gateway services individuals need to overcome the barriers they face and to experience long-term positive change,” stated Martin, the divisional commander.
“We see this as an opportunity to continue to serve and provide hope to all those who need it most in our communities regardless of time or day,” Martin added.
• The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life, providing shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an addiction.
• In addition to the 14 shelter spaces at Pidcock House, the Province also provides support to homeless individuals in the community by funding six units of housing for the homeless or those of risk of homelessness, 10 homeless rent supplements, 11 spaces for women and children fleeing violence and homeless outreach.
To learn more about provincial housing programs, visit www.bchousing.org/Initiatives. Further information about the Salvation Army can be found at www.salvationarmy.ca/britishcolumbia.
— Minister Responsible for Housing
