Ensuring that every Canadian has a home they can afford is the aim of governments at levels and new research shows that the benefits of this stretch beyond the obvious.
The BC government says that the reports show that its approach to tackling homelessness is the right one.
Through the Building BC: Rapid Response to Homelessness program, the Province is investing $291 million to build over 2,000 homes throughout B.C. and more than $170 million over three years for 24/7 staffing and support services.
The reports led by BC Housing show that in a study of those accessing supportive housing, including many of the province’s most vulnerable and those who have been without stable housing for many years:
- 94% of residents remain housed in their units after six months;
- 84% of residents report improvements in overall well-being;
- 82% of residents report experiencing positive interactions with neighbours;
- 56% of residents report improvement in their physical health;
- 44% of residents report they had been admitted to hospital less often;
- 44% of residents report improvements to their mental health; and
- 39% of residents report improvements to their addiction issues.
“These outcomes demonstrate the remarkable impact that having a home has for a person,” said Kennedy Stewart, mayor of Vancouver. “Temporary modular housing has provided immediate relief for hundreds of people experiencing homelessness across our city, who now have a safe, warm place to sleep. We’re grateful for our partnerships with BC Housing and the non-profit organizations who manage each building. These life-changing homes are only made possible through working together.”
