A Cranbrook program is among 44 throughout British Columbia is receiving funding to support homeless people during extreme weather.

Cranbrook’s Street Beatz is receiving $79,010 from the province’s Strengthening Communities’ Services Program, which supports local governments and modern Treaty Nations in building additional capacity to address the needs of unsheltered people in their communities, while keeping communities safe and healthy.

The province is investing more than $15 million in community-led projects that provide services, such as outreach and mental-health supports, creating new temporary shelters for people experiencing homelessness, and expanding shelter availability during potential extreme weather through the program’s second intake.

The funding is in addition to the $76 million provided to local governments and modern Treaty Nations through the program in 2021.

“There is a critical need for local services during times of crisis, and this funding provides a much-needed boost to community services that continue to be strained,” said Nathan Cullen, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “Initiatives like this are part of our government’s ongoing focus on making life better for people and helping local communities be more resilient.”

The Strengthening Communities’ Services Program is open to all municipalities, regional districts, Islands Trust and modern Treaty Nations in B.C. It is administered by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM).

“Communities throughout the province are struggling with growing numbers of unsheltered citizens, many of whom require long-term complex care and supportive housing options,” said Laurey-Anne Roodenburg, UBCM president. “This program provides funding to sustain local services, expand temporary shelters options and provide critical services during the current crisis is greatly welcomed.”

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