The B.C. government has agreed to fund another 80 winter-shelter spaces after Mayor Gregor Robertson called the situation “deplorable” last week.
Housing advocate Judy Graves said shelter spaces are coming at a critical time after extreme-weather-response shelters were activated on the weekend.
“We’ve come a long way since last week, and I’m really grateful to the province for this,” Graves said.
Housing Minister Rich Coleman announced the seasonal spaces in addition to 42 beds set to open Dec. 15 at Marble Arch Hotel and the 26 women-only spaces at 329 Powell Street.
Friday’s announcement brings the number of provincially funded seasonal spaces to 148.
But First United Church spokesman Jason Watt said the province is still not doing enough to keep people out of the cold.
Last week, the city strictly enforced occupancy bylaws at the 24/7 Downtown Eastside shelter, forcing them to turn away dozens of people.
Watt said volunteers and staff have resorted to holding off-site meetings to create more space during meal times.
“The people who need to eat come before us,” Watt said. Watt believes First United will be forced to turn away more homeless once the extreme-weather- response shelters are deactivated.
Local news from metronews.ca/vancouver
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