Applications open for B.C.’s Homelessness Community Action Grants

Applications have opened for the next round of Homelessness Community Action Grants in B.C.

The grants offer up to $50,000 for local, regional, and provincewide approaches to addressing homelessness and those who are at risk. The grant is a one-time funding for community-based initiatives.

Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon says the grant is about “empowering local organizations to increase awareness and support for those experiencing homelessness.” He says the success of the first round of projects clarified the need to continue the funding of another round of grants.

“We were encouraged by the excellent Indigenous-led and focused projects and encourage more communities to come forward with ideas that can be supported and shared,”Kahlon said. 

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Previous grant recipients include the Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George. The group’s program includes a service that provides voicemail phone numbers to low-income residents and those experiencing homelessness in Prince George.

Hawa Ayorech, the society’s community programs coordinator, says they’re grateful to be involved in the initiative.

“It is nice to be a part of a program that offers a hand up,” said Hawa Ayorech, “It is joyous to see the shocked look in one’s face when they learn the program is free.”

The province allotted $6 million in its 2022 budget for its homelessness community grants. The program is run by the registered charity Social Planning and Research Council of British Columbia (SPARC BC) and is now accepting applications.

with files from The Canadian Press