67 new shelter spaces in Abbotsford for those experiencing homelessness

Dozens more shelter spaces are opening in Abbotsford for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

The B.C. government announced Friday that, in addition to 22 new spaces that opened at a shelter at 2509 Pauline Street in early April, two more shelters will open in the coming months.

A total of 45 new spaces will be opening at 2539 Montvue Avenue and 1661 McCallum Road. Thirty of these will be available in June, with the remainder expected to be open by the fall.

“Shelters give people chances to clean their lives up, give them opportunities like connecting them to a job, getting taxes done, getting stuff that they’re not good at doing, and figuring out what resources are available to them,” said Roy, who has experienced homelessness.

“Shelters help people sleep better, stay clean, find opportunities to get clean (off drugs), connect with peers to help them move forward in life.”

The province says the shelters will provide residents with life-skills training, employment assistance, and access to physical and mental health resources.

Since 2017, the province says it has added more than 930 affordable homes in Abbotsford alone.

It says that as of last winter, it has funded 6,300 permanent, temporary, and emergency weather-response shelter spaces across B.C.

— With files from Michael Williams.