Death of homeless man sparks additional funding for Sunshine Coast shelter

SECHELT, B.C. – The death of a regular user of a homeless shelter on the Sunshine Coast has prompted some quick action from B.C. Housing.

A member of the region’s homeless advisory committee, Kelly Foley, says extra funding for the operation was provided late last week.

The shelter is now open every night until the end of March, instead of opening only during extreme weather conditions.

Foley says the man, in his 50s, was found dead in a park in Gibsons just over a week ago, and pressure for increased funding began to build late last week.

She says the outpouring of support has been overwhelming and she is pleased at the response from B.C. Housing.

Concerned residents raised 33-hundred dollars for the shelter in three days, but the organizer of the online campaign says, thanks to the new funding, her drive has ended and the cash will be forwarded to the shelter operators. (CKAY)