Press Releases

Since developing the Chilliwack Healthier Community Strategic Action Plan in 2011 Chilliwack has taken a community wide approach to homelessness. This community based plan utilizes a multifaceted approach, with continued input from 32 local agencies and organizations as part of the Chilliwack Healthier Community Partnership (CHC).

Through ongoing discussions, the CHC has been investigating the reason why some people do not use shelter beds currently available and discussing possible barriers and concerns. As part of that process, outreach workers with the Salvation Army have recently spent some time on the street talking to the very people that aren’t making use of the valuable services available.

As a result of these discussions an important barrier was identified and is being addressed. Some individuals choose not to seek shelter due to the inability to safely secure personal belongings while utilizing shelter beds. To address this issue, the City of Chilliwack will provide the Salvation Army with a used storage container for this purpose.

“We are very pleased with the pro-active, compassionate and collaborative approach taken by the CHC to address this need within our community,” said Tim Bohr, Community Ministries Director, Salvation Army.

The storage container will reside on the Salvation Army’s property for the purpose of storing the personal belongings of individuals taking shelter. The container will be locked and secure at all times, with access limited to Salvation Army staff members.

“We are glad that we are able to apply the extensive expertise of the many health and social service organizations that make up the CHC in order to find creative solutions and address areas of need,” said committee Chair, Councillor Ken Popove. “Through open discussion we are able to take a collaborative and compassionate approach in a timely manner.”

Concerns about homeless people gathering under the Yale Road overpass was recently brought to the CHC’s attention. Garbage, discarded needles and human feces are some of the public safety concerns at this location. The CHC, in discussion with local business owners, has developed a plan to effectively address these concerns. The CHC is hopeful that fencing off the area in combination with increased education and awareness of services will help address this situation.

The City will start the installation of the fence on Monday, November 24 while the Salvation Army and the other health and social services organizations will continue to work to help any displaced individuals find shelter.