Vulnerable people in Delta will have greater access to local services which will help tackle homelessness as the community recovers from the impacts of the pandemic.
That’s what Delta North MLA Ravi Kahlon said in an announcement this week that the city is receiving $186,209 in joint provincial and federal funding for the COVID-19 Homelessness Response program
“We are committed to building an inclusive recovery that leaves no one behind,” said Kahlon in a news release. “This investment will provide direct supports to people experiencing homelessness, and is just one part of our approach to make sure people have access to the services they need to get back on their feet. By working together we will be able to come out of the pandemic stronger and more resilient.”
Kahlon said the investment is part of the Strengthening Communities Program which is providing support to 48 communities across B.C.
More than $76 million will support local governments to combat the impacts of homelessness and keep their communities safe and healthy as they recover from the pandemic.
Earlier this year, Deltassist formed a Delta Homelessness Task Force to develop a community response to homelessness in the city.
The group’s diverse membership includes staff from various city departments, Delta Police, Options Community Services, Phoenix, North Delta Food Depot, Extreme Weather Shelter, Homelessness Services Association BC and others.
The task force is developing a work plan and has already identified two priorities: a warming centre in South Delta and an extreme weather shelter in North Delta.
Delta also recently received $25,000 in provincial funding to conduct a poverty assessment and develop a poverty reduction action plan.
A consulting firm has been retained and the project will be guided by a steering committee of city staff and community partners.
Those consulted include people with lived experiences of poverty.
The final report is expected to be completed by March 2022.
