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City of Cranbrook signs onto HEART and HEARTH
The City of Cranbrook is among seven B.C. communities collaborating with the provincial government in search of safer, stronger responses to homeless encampments.
The province, through BC Housing, is working with local governments and community partners through homeless and encampment response teams (HEART) helping people sheltering outdoors to move indoor.
HEART works to quickly assess the needs of people in encampments and to provide rapid access to the support services they need to exit homelessness.
In addition, the homeless and encampment response temporary housing solutions (HEARTH) program provides emergency housing and sheltering options and immediate co-ordinated supports, explained a Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs media release.
“Communities are stronger and safer for everyone when we bring people indoors to safe housing, so they have better opportunities to connect to the supports and services they need to bring stability to their lives,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs.
“The province is encouraged by the increasing number of local governments that are stepping up to collaborate to support vulnerable residents in their communities and end homelessness. The only path forward is to work together and I applaud these community leaders for acting on their vision.”
The City of Cranbrook is joining as a new HEART and HEARTH community. BC Housing and the city will explore opportunities for a HEARTH site.
“The City of Cranbrook is grateful that Minister Boyle recognizes the homelessness challenges facing regional service communities like ours. Being considered for this opportunity reflects that understanding and offers renewed hope for those experiencing homelessness and for the overall well-being of our community,” said City of Cranbrook Mayor Wayne Price.
There are now 15 local governments partnering with the province to put in place HEART and/or HEARTH.
Phase 1 communities include Abbotsford, Campbell River, Chilliwack and Cheam First Nation (HEARTH only), Duncan (HEARTH only), Kamloops, Kelowna, Nanaimo, Prince George, Victoria and Vancouver.
Phase 2 communities with new partnerships include Cranbrook, New Westminster, Powell River, Smithers and Squamish.
e-KNOW file photo
