New temporary shelter opens in Chilliwack

The Voice of Canada News:

People experiencing homelessness in Chilliwack will have access to 45 spaces of new temporary shelter starting this week, thanks to a partnership between BC Housing and Ruth and Naomi’s Mission.

Located at 46293 Yale Rd., the shelter will be operated by the local mission with staff on-site at the shelter around-the-clock to provide support for guests. All guests will be provided with two daily meals, snacks and laundry service. Representatives from Fraser Health and social service agencies will visit the shelter weekly to assess people’s needs and connect them with housing and other services.

The shelter will be operational until March 31, 2019. By that time, a separate 46-unit supportive housing project currently under construction at 45944 Yale Rd. is also expected to be open. Over time, people coming into the shelter will be able to transition to new self-contained homes and benefit from additional support services.

The new shelter is in addition to five other shelters funded by the Province that are already operational in the community and running at or near capacity on a nightly basis:

• 45746 Yale Rd., Brigadier Arthur Cartmell House, permanent shelter – 11 beds
• 45748 Yale Rd., House of Hope, permanent shelter – 48 beds
• 46130 Margaret Ave., Ruth and Naomi’s Mission, permanent shelter – 15 beds
• 46130 Margaret Ave., temporary shelter – 26 spaces
• 45845 Wellington Ave., temporary shelter open – 12 spaces