Dear Editor
Re: Minister says there’s money for homeless shelter in Burnaby (Dec. 1) and Burnaby mayor doesn’t want homeless shelter (Dec. 18).
Within the Burnaby Task Force On Homelessness membership, there is extensive housing expertise with longstanding knowledge of the needs of Burnaby citizens.
On Dec. 8, given the news of the provincial government commitment, the Burnaby Task Force On Homelessness requested a meeting with Mayor Corrigan and the planning and development committee to discuss this provincial financial commitment and to plan next steps for a “made for Burnaby” housing solution in support of Burnaby homeless citizens.
The Burnaby Task Force On Homelessness continues to be extremely concerned about the number of Burnaby citizens living in poverty. Recent fires in homeless camps, the rising cost of rent in Burnaby, continued low- rental vacancies, loss of affordable housing units and proposed demolition of older rental stock clearly identify significant housing issues affecting Burnaby citizens.
There are many innovative models of housing for people who are homeless which are demonstrated throughout Metro Vancouver. One example is the North Shore Housing Centre, operated by Lookout Society, which offers 25 transitional housing units, 45 short term housing beds and 20 additional sleeping mats available for an Extreme Weather program.
This opportunity to move forward on housing will benefit many vulnerable Burnaby citizens.
Wanda Mulholland, community development coordinator, Burnaby Task Force On Homelessness
