A call for Expressions of Interest has been issued to non-profit societies for the provincial Homeless Outreach Program.

New homeless outreach services are being introduced in eight communities: Comox Valley (Comox and Courtenay), Campbell River, Vernon, Penticton, Nelson, Terrace and Fort St. John. The call also seeks
additional providers to expand existing services in Vancouver (for the Grandview, Collingwood/Renfrew and Kitsilano neighbourhoods), and to find an additional service provider in Prince George.

This proposal call is part of the expansion of the successful outreach program announced last October. Once implemented, nearly 40 communities will have services to help people break the cycle of homelessness. The Homeless Outreach Program receives annual funding of $3.9 million.

Homeless outreach provides assistance and support directly to people on the street, helping them to connect to housing and services, and helping them to maintain housing and regain independence.

To date, more than 2,000 people have been housed through the Homeless Outreach Program, with about 80 per cent continuing to maintain their housing.

Details of the proposal call can be found at: www.bchousing.org/programs/proposals