The City of New Westminster wants to lend a helping hand to local programs assisting homeless people and seniors in their time of need.
According to a staff report, the Hospitality Project has been informed by the federal government that funding to operate its advocacy program and triage and referral program will not be renewed.
“The amount in question is $150,000 per year,” stated a staff report. “The decision not to renew the funding is part of a larger strategy by the federal government to refocus its efforts on a housing first approach to homelessness, in which the chronically homeless will be placed into permanent housing.”
The Hospitality Project, which is located at Shiloh Sixth Avenue United Church, provides a variety of services to people in need.
The city has learned the Seniors Services Society is also facing cuts from the United Way and funding for three of its programs will not be renewed: the Seniors on Board the Bus Program ($50,000 per year); the Seniors Housing Information Program ($50,000 annually); and the Temporary Housing Program ($200,000 per year). Funding for two other programs is under review – the Community in Change program, which has annual funding of $45,000, and the New Westminster Seniors Planning and Action Network 50+ ($25,000 per year).
“The total amount of funding which will not be renewed or is under review for both nonprofit organizations amounts to $520,000 per year,” stated the staff report.
The staff report says the loss of the funding will particularly impact vulnerable populations, including homeless people and seniors.
According to the city report, the Hospitality Project serves about 70 homeless people each year and many more who are at risk of homelessness.
“It assists people to retain their existing housing through advocacy and outreach; locates shelter and housing if they become homeless; and involves other organizations in providing support,” stated the report. “It is the only general advocate in the North Fraser region and the only one with a specific mandate to prioritize people who are at risk of homelessness.”
City council has directed staff to work with the Hospitality Project and the Seniors Services Society to explore alternative funding opportunities and sources.
“The loss of funding for the programs in question will negatively impact homeless people and seniors,” stated the report. “It will also result in increasing street and visible homelessness and place added pressures and costs on the city.”
