RICHMOND – BC Housing and the City of Richmond are working together on a proposal to create new temporary supportive housing for up to 40 people experiencing homelessness in the community. BC Housing has applied for a temporary use permit to open this housing at 2520 - 2640 Smith Street, which would be in operation for three years until a permanent housing option is available.

The application outlines how these new temporary homes would serve as safe spaces for individuals experiencing homelessness in Richmond to stay indoors, practice physical distancing, and help slow the spread of COVID-19. Each resident would also be supported by experienced non-profit staff who would be onsite 24/7 and provide support services and culturally appropriate programming. A nurse would also be on site regularly, providing healthcare and access to treatment programs.

The community will have a chance to learn more about this project through online engagement activities in the coming weeks. Details will be posted on our Let’s Talk Housing page: https://letstalkhousingbc.ca/richmond-smith

The permit will be considered by the Richmond City Council later this year and notifications will be sent to the public in advance of a hearing.

BC Housing and the City of Richmond will select a non-profit to operate this housing if the plan is approved. BC Housing anticipates construction to start in Spring 2021, followed by occupancy in Winter 2021.

Quick Facts:

• BC Housing has committed $7.2 million from the Homelessness Action Plan towards development of this new supportive housing on Smith Street. BC Housing will also commit $1.4 million over three years in operating funding once an operator has been selected.
• The City of Richmond owns the land and will review the temporary use permit application.
• In 2020, the Metro Vancouver Homeless Count found 85 homeless individuals in Richmond, up 21 percent since the last count in 2017.

Learn More:

A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is online: https://www.bchousing.org/homes-for-BC

Media Contacts:

BC Housing
media@bchousing.org

Clay Adams
City of Richmond
(604) 202-8789