More than 220 shelters coming to Abbotsford to support unhoused people: B.C.

The B.C. government says more than 220 shelter spaces and supportive homes will be coming to Abbotsford.

Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon says there is an urgent need for safe indoor spaces.

“For people who are unhoused or living in encampments in the city of Abbotsford, lack of safe, affordable and appropriate housing is pushing people into homelessness,” he said Friday.

“We have said this many times but encampments are not safe,” he continued. “They’re not safe for the people who are living in them, and they’re not safe for the community at large.”

Kahlon says, last summer, the Lonzo Road encampment grew, with people sheltering in cars, tents, and other structures. That also increased the number of hazards, with an increase in fires, medical emergencies, and deaths related to toxic drugs, he added.

“We need to find solutions to address that.”

As part of an agreement with the Ministry of Health and the City of Abbotsford, the community will see 111 new temporary housing spaces, 49 at the Sumas Shelter (which is formerly a Travelodge), 22 at the Lighthouse Shelter (formerly the Red Lion Inn), and 30 more spaces at a proposed shelter on Montvue Avenue.

Khalon adds the Lonzo Shelter will see an additional 50 beds. Another 60-unit men’s transitional building with a permanent supportive home for those recovering from addiction will also open.

“We know that people of Abbotsford, the people of B.C. understand that when our loved ones are struggling, we have the responsibility to support them,” he said.

Pam Alexis, MLA for Abbotsford Mission, says it is important to get people indoors as soon as possible.

“This program gives us the tools to quickly establish interim housing and shelter to ensure people have a place to move into while permanent housing is developed,” she said.

“Abbotsford is a community that looks after its own.”

The province says, through BC Housing, it is providing approximately $48.8 million in capital and operating funds towards these housing projects.

Abbotsford joined four other regions that have signed a similar MOU, including Vitoria, Kelowna, Prince George, and Nanaimo.