BCGEU welcomes funding extension for Vancouver homeless shelters

VANCOUVER, April 16 /CNW/ - The BCGEU is delighted with the news approximately $8 million in funding has been secured to keep three HEAT shelters in Vancouver open beyond April 30, 2010. The union represents workers at one of the shelters, The Central Shelter, located at 240 Northern Street. The Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Society operates the shelter, which has 100 beds. The new funding means the shelter will continue to provide beds and meals for Vancouver's homeless for two more years.

BCGEU president Darryl Walker visited the Central Shelter last month to meet with workers and speak with some of the shelter's residents. Since then, the BCGEU has been urging the provincial government to keep the facility open.

"These shelters are an integral part of the homelessness solution in Vancouver and I'm thrilled the money has been found to preserve them for the vulnerable people who rely on them," said Walker. "Still I'm calling on governments of all levels to continue working to create permanent, affordable social housing for the homeless."

For further information: call BCGEU Communications at [phone]