NORTH VANCOUVER – Youth fleeing abusive situations, and those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, will continue to have a safe place to turn to, as the Province provides operating funding for the North Shore Youth Safe House.

“It is essential that young people experiencing difficult or dangerous situations are strongly supported and have a safe place to go,” said Bowinn Ma, MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale. “After operating for over a decade without stable provincial funding, this new five-year agreement will ensure that the North Shore Youth Safe House can continue to provide youth with a safe space for years to come.”

Approximately 150 youth between the ages of 13 and 18 years receive support services, such as family and teen mediation, nutritious meals and laundry facilities. They will also have access to emergency housing throughout the year.

Over the next five years, the Province will contribute $100,000 annually toward operational costs, so that youth can continue accessing vital resources.

“Every year, we open the door at the youth safe house to over 100 homeless youth, many as young as 13 years of age,” said Nanette Taylor, executive director, Hollyburn Family Services Society. “And today, we are celebrating our provincial government’s multi-year commitment to these youth. We are so grateful for the funding, and for the Province’s acknowledgement that we cannot do this alone.”

The house was provided in-kind by the District of North Vancouver. It will help provide housing and support services for youth who are homeless, or live in unsafe and dangerous situations, not only in North Vancouver, but throughout Metro Vancouver.

“The North Shore Youth Safe House plays an integral role in the well-being of our community, providing youth with a safe place to stay, valuable life skills, and brighter futures,” said Richard Walton, mayor of the District of North Vancouver. “The district is a proud supporter of this facility, and on behalf of council, I send my congratulations.”

The North Shore Youth Safe House has been operated by Hollyburn Family Services Society since 2008. It has experienced youth workers on staff, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Quick Fact:

• The Province will be working with people with lived experience, local governments and community partners to develop a homelessness action plan to reduce homelessness through permanent housing and services.

Learn More:
Read Homes for B.C., government’s 30-point plan to address housing affordability for British Columbians: bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/2018/homesbc/2018_Homes_For_BC.pdf

To find out what the Province is doing to improve housing affordability, visit: news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/bc-government-addressing-housing-affordability-challenges 

Contacts:
Media Relations
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
250-952-0617

Rajvir Rao
BC Housing
604-456-8917