Homelessness in the City of Langley has grown significantly in the past decade. Limited affordable and suitable housing is one of the driving factors of homelessness in Langley. In addition, poverty; circumstantial situations; unemployment and financial hurdles; mental health issues; addictions; family violence and breakdown are some of the other contributing pathways into homelessness. While circumstances vary, all persons experiencing homelessness are in crisis and require support to find adequate and affordable housing and access to services they need. Supporting Langley’s most vulnerable residents requires a plan.
In response to the increasing concern, the City created a task force to help identify community-based solutions and to create a Langley Homelessness Strategic Plan. This collaborative process was facilitated by CitySpaces Consulting and included:
- Regular meetings with the Langley Homelessness Task Force. Representatives included the City of Langley, Township of Langley, BC Housing, Fraser Health, RCMP, local service providers and local businesses.
- Preparation of a Context Report. A research document providing baseline data and indicators of homelessness in Langley.
- Consultation with local stakeholders. A workshop designed to identify strategies and solutions to address and prevent homelessness.
- Interviews with persons with lived experience, providing insight into immediate needs and solutions based on direct experience.
Each of the background components described above was considered as part of the preparation of the Langley Homelessness Strategic Plan. Overall, the Langley Homelessness Strategic Plan provides a framework of strategies to address homelessness in Langley, ranging from capacity building, prevention and housing strategies, as well as strategies to create a more inclusive community.
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