City of Castlegar Asks Province to Reconsider Decision to Stop Funding Temporary Shelter
By City of Castlegar
The City of Castlegar recently received notice the B.C. Ministry of Housing unilaterally decided to discontinue funding temporary winter shelters as of April 30, 2024 which will result in the closure of the Out of the Cold temporary shelter and impact support services located at 1660 Columbia Ave.
In 2023, the City worked closely with Castlegar & District Community Services Society, the community, local contractors, Interior Health and BC Housing to secure funding for the temporary shelter and outreach services in Castlegar and is actively working with BC Housing to identify a location in Castlegar for a permanent shelter and outreach services.
City of Castlegar Council is extremely disappointed and concerned about this decision and has written a letter to Honourable Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing, asking the provincial government to reconsider its decision and continue funding to allow Castlegar’s shelter and support services to remain operational until a permanent shelter and outreach services are in place.
Losing our shelter, and especially our outreach services, would have devastating consequences for those who rely on its services, public safety, and our community at large.
A copy of the letter can be found at https://castlegar.ca/2024/04/17/funding-temporary-shelter/.
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