PROVINCE FUNDING BUNK BEDS AT FIRST UNITED CHURCH

VANCOUVER – The Province is providing funding to the First United Church in Vancouver to purchase bunk beds that will offer homeless people a healthier, more comfortable sleeping environment, announced Housing and Social Development Minister Rich Coleman.

“We wanted to help the First United Church create a healthier sleeping situation as the cold, winter weather begins,” said Coleman. “Over 200 people a night have been seeking shelter at the church and these bunks will improve the quality of their sleep and have a positive impact on their health.”

“Each of the bunks will be used inside the church to provide sleeping space for two homeless people now sleeping on the floor,” said Reverend Ric Matthews of First United.

Currently, homeless individuals taking refuge at the shelter sleep on the floor and in church pews. The estimated $50,000 in funding will allow the First United Church to purchase bed-bug resistant, metal bunk beds.

The low-barrier HEAT shelters were announced in December 2008 to help Vancouver’s homeless citizens during an extremely cold winter. The Province, City of Vancouver and Streetohome Foundation each provided start-up funding. The Province will continue to fund the remaining three shelters until April 2010.

In addition to the HEAT shelters, there are currently more than 600 year-round shelter beds available in Vancouver that receive annual funding of nearly $17 million.

-30-

Media contact:
Fergus McCann
BC Housing
778 452-6445
604-561-4375 (cell)