Header

Donate

Shelters Get Three-Month Extension

Metro - March 10, 2009

BC will fund Vancouver's five low-barrier emergency shelters for another three months, city councillors said yesterday.

Between 450 and 500 people make use of the shelters, some of which allow pets and shopping carts.

The funding amount is being finalized, but should be around $1.5 million, said Vision Coun. Kerry Jang.

The shelters, which opened in December, have made it easier for outreach workers to connect with homeless people, said Jang.

Stats from the Vancouver Police Department show a 27 percent decrease in the number of mental health and street disorder complaints since the opening of the shelters.

Similiarly, Jang added, Downtown Ambassadors have noticed a drop in aggressive panhandling.

JEFF HODSON, Metro News