Two Burnaby groups that help homeless people are getting a financial boost from the federal government.
Journey Home Community Association and the Progressive Housing Society were listed as projects receiving funding in an announcement from Metro Vancouver today.
"I'm pleased that we are providing financial assistance to organizations that help improve the lives of society's most vulnerable," said Metro Vancouver chair Greg Moore. "Our partnership with the Government of Canada helps ensure that needed funds are distributed to organizations best able to help reduce homelessness in our region."
In all, $11 million is going to 39 organizations that help homeless people with shelter and services. Metro Vancouver is overseeing the distribution of the money, which comes from the federal government's Homelessness Partnering Strategy.
James Grunau, executive director at Journey Home Community Association, said the funding will pay for staff to help the asylum-seeking refugee families that come to his organization.
"Our focus is on refugee claimants, particularly families with children," he said. "Many are virtually homeless when they arrive."
The faith-based organization helps new refugee families with settlement and housing in Burnaby and New Westminster.
The federal Homelessness Partnering Strategy supports communities across Canada in addressing homelessness. National funding is roughly $135 million per year, $8.2 million of which goes to the Metro Vancouver region.
