FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The City of Fort St. John’s application through the Province’s Strengthening Communities’ Services Program has been approved.
The City announced on Facebook Thursday that it received $446,775 to provide urgent temporary solutions for the unsheltered homeless populations.
The B.C. government’s $100 million grant program aims to help local governments respond to the impacts of homelessness and keep communities safe and healthy, according to a release.
“This funding will be used to advance several action areas in the Energizing our Future: The Social and Economic Development Framework for Fort St. John,” reads the post.
The District of Chetwynd’s Tansi Community Emergency Shelter also had a grant application approved for $200,000.
“B.C. local governments have been calling for additional funding to improve services for residents facing mental health challenges or homelessness,” said Brian Frenkel, president, Union of B.C. Municipalities.
“The Strengthening Communities program is highly adaptable to the specific needs of communities and is fostering creativity and innovation in how services are delivered. I appreciate the provincial funding for this program and look forward to seeing these new projects move into implementation.”
City Council applied for funding in April, citing an increase in domestic violence, substance use and homelessness as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information on the local projects supported by B.C.’s Strengthening Communities’ Services Program, go to the B.C. government website.
