December 16, 2011
Comox Valley Receives Funding For 24/7 Shelter

COURTENAY – Homeless individuals in Courtenay will now have 24/7 access to shelter through $50,000 in additional provincial funding for the Salvation Army’s Pidcock House. The 14-bed community shelter at 632 Pidcock Avenue, which currently provides homeless individuals struggling with addictions, mental health or behavioral issues with accommodation from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., will now increase services to 24 hours, seven days a week.

Why this matters:

  • This funding will help Pidcock House provide three meals a day as well as access to increased support services for those in need.
  • The round-the-clock housing and services will also provide the additional benefit to shelter clients of on-site case planning and gateway services which were previously conducted off-site due to the shelters hours.
  • This funding will also provide enhanced access to housing and supports for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
  • The Comox Valley is currently the only region in British Columbia that does not have a 24/7 shelter.

Quotes:

"This is why I got into politics – to help make a difference in the Comox Valley. This funding will help the Salvation Army continue to provide their valuable services round-the-clock to some of the most vulnerable members of our community."
- Comox Valley MLA Don McRae

“We are working closely with the community to ensure that there are adequate shelter services for homeless individuals in the Comox Valley. The Salvation Army identified the need for 24/7 shelter services and the Province is answering the call.”
- Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Housing Rich Coleman

Quick Facts:

  • There are 283 year‐round beds available at emergency shelters throughout the region. Total annual funding is approximately $11.5 million.
  • Last year, more than 600 homeless people were provided with stable housing through the Homeless Outreach Program and Aboriginal Homeless Outreach Program that operates in Greater Victoria, Cowichan, Nanaimo, Port Alberni, Duncan, Campbell River and Courtenay.

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