The Healthy Living Complex of Care in Surrey provides essential hygiene and respite services to those without regular access to bathrooms, showers, and shelter. The facility has been operating at the Cove Shelter site since November 2022 and has been a lifeline for thousands of people. Clients like Angelina Ryan attest to the life-changing impact of the facility, which has helped them secure housing and improve their quality of life. However, the centre is facing closure due to the expiration of its provincial funding, with BC Housing currently covering the costs on a temporary basis. The facility requires $75,000 per month to operate, including staffing and cleaning expenses.
Without additional funding within the next two weeks, the Healthy Living Complex of Care may be forced to close by August 15. SUM CEO Jack O’Halloran emphasizes the importance of the facility in promoting self-esteem, safety, and overall health for individuals experiencing homelessness. He calls on the City of Surrey to step up and help fill the funding gap, as the land and structures are owned by the city. However, Mayor Brenda Locke believes that funding for such amenities is the responsibility of the provincial government, not the city. The B.C. housing ministry states that the funding for the centre was a one-time relief program during the pandemic, and encourages local governments and non-profits to collaborate on projects to improve services.
Despite the city’s reluctance to intervene, O’Halloran is determined to continue seeking alternative sources of funding to keep the facility running. He is open to private donations and community support to ensure the continuation of essential services for vulnerable individuals in Surrey. Meanwhile, clients like Angelina Ryan stress the importance of the facility in maintaining basic hygiene and dignity for those experiencing homelessness. She urges the city to consider the impact of closing the facility on the well-being of individuals who rely on its services. The closure of the Healthy Living Complex of Care would leave many without access to crucial resources for cleanliness and well-being, putting them at risk of further hardship and despair.
The potential closure of the Healthy Living Complex of Care highlights the ongoing challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness and the limited resources available to support them. The facility plays a vital role in providing a safe and clean environment for individuals to access basic hygiene services and seek support to improve their living situations. The uncertainty surrounding the funding of the facility underscores the need for sustainable and ongoing support from government and community partners. Without a secure source of funding, vulnerable individuals in Surrey may lose access to essential services that can make a significant difference in their daily lives.
The closure of the Healthy Living Complex of Care would have far-reaching consequences for individuals like Angelina Ryan, who have benefited from the facility’s services and support. The facility not only provides a place to clean up and rejuvenate but also serves as a beacon of hope for those in need. As the deadline for securing funding approaches, the future of the facility hangs in the balance, leaving many wondering about the fate of those who rely on its services. It is a reminder of the importance of investing in initiatives that support the well-being and dignity of all members of the community, especially those facing homelessness and poverty.
In conclusion, the Healthy Living Complex of Care in Surrey faces an uncertain future due to the expiration of its provincial funding. The facility has played a crucial role in providing hygiene and respite services to individuals experiencing homelessness, but may be forced to close without additional financial support. The City of Surrey and the provincial government are at odds over the responsibility for funding the facility, leaving its future in jeopardy. As the deadline for securing funding approaches, the fate of the Healthy Living Complex of Care hangs in the balance, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by vulnerable individuals in Surrey and the need for sustainable support from government and community partners.
