Surrey Homelessness & Housing Society Grants $600,000 for Local COVID-19 Response

The Surrey Homelessness & Housing Society (SHHS) has granted $350,000 in funding to 11 projects to implement food programs, purchase safety equipment, create homes and improve housing.

The swift response addresses the emerging needs of people experiencing homelessness, or who are at risk of homelessness in Surrey related to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The investment comes on the heels of $250,000 in grants earlier this spring, which provided 19 projects funding to support charitable organizations deploy food programs, purchase emergency equipment and supplies, and bolster staff capacity.

“The pandemic has put unprecedented pressure on charitable organizations providing vital services for Surrey’s most vulnerable,” said Councillor Laurie Guerra, President of the Surrey Homelessness and Housing Society. “This funding will ensure that we can continue to address the growing need for food programs, emergency supplies and strengthen operations both now and into the new year.”

A total of $350,000 in grants were awarded to the following organizations:

Afro-Canadian Positive Network Society of BC

Atira Women’s Resource Society Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver

Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association

Fraserside Community Services Society

Lookout Housing and Health Society

Nightshift Street Ministries 

Pacific Community Resources Society

Phoenix Drug & Alcohol Recovery and Education Society

SOS Children’s Village of BC

Sources Community Resources Society

Photo courtesy of City of Surrey.