Surrey launches program for people experiencing homelessness
Posted December 8, 2022 1:56 pm.
Last Updated December 8, 2022 2:28 pm.
The City of Surrey is starting a support program to help residents who are experiencing homelessness.
Surrey’s Street SMART program is designed to provide health services, shelter, supportive housing, and sobering centre referrals.
The project is a partnership between Surrey Bylaw and Lookout Housing and Health Society.
Media Release: The City of Surrey is piloting an innovative new bylaw program to support people experiencing homelessness.
— City of Surrey (@CityofSurrey) December 8, 2022
Mayor Brenda Locke says the initiative is a first for the city.
“This unique, proactive program is a first for Surrey and is part of a multi-faceted approach to give people a hand up to break the cycle of homelessness because every soul matters,” the mayor said.
Three teams of outreach workers and bylaw officers will set out every day to provide trauma-informed services. According to a city media release, the trauma-informed approach acknowledges the impact of a person’s past experiences and capacity to receive help.
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The program is also collaborating with Surrey Libraries where people can walk in for support services at the City Centre Library.
In a 2020 report by BC Non-Profit Housing Association, 644 people in Surrey experienced homelessness with 173 unsheltered along with hundreds split between extreme weather response shelters, temporary shelters, transition houses, and no fixed addresses.
