Funding for programs that support people experiencing homelessness in the Comox Valley is having a measurable impact.

The $1.093 million Strengthening Communities’ Grant awarded in 2021 is being administered by the City of Courtenay on behalf of the Comox Valley region and supports the Comox Valley's response to the increased demand and need for critical homelessness support services.

The City is working with an advisory committee with reps from Comox Valley Coalition to End Homelessness, Wachiay Friendship Centre and Comox Valley Transition Society.

To date, over $600,000 in grant funding has been distributed to service providers. The program has resulted in over 18,000 individual service interactions in the Comox Valley, 52 engagement events, and over 90 people receiving specialized training towards their work on the front lines supporting or interacting with individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, or mental health challenges.

Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells said the grant funding has helped deliver much-needed programs throughout the region, saying each interaction represents a chance to connect someone to services that will help them with health, housing, and other essential social supports.

For more information visit www.courtenay.ca