Prince George seniors who are living with mental health and addiction challenges and are on the verge of becoming homeless can now receive more vital support.
Today (Friday), the provincial government provided the Seniors Services Society of B.C. with an additional $809,000 for its Senior Housing Information and Navigation Ease (SHINE) program.
It helps our elderly residents access mental health and addiction supports as well as connects them with financial assistance.
In addition, SHINE provides housing navigation for older adults, helps refer them to support for maintaining safe housing, and provides advocacy in disputes where seniors are being unfairly pushed out of rental homes.
These services will be delivered through community partners in Prince George, Nanaimo, Langley’s Aldergrove, Kelowna, Surrey, Vancouver’s West End, and New Westminster.
“SHINE was envisioned as a city-specific, senior-centered network that balances prevention and responsiveness in addressing widening gaps in the systems supporting older adults,” said Alison Silgardo, CEO, the Seniors Services Society of B.C.
“This includes housing, mental health, addictions, attachment to health, exit from health, technology, access to finance, food insecurity and supports to help them age in place, to name a few. What gives me hope is that key stakeholders are coming together to create a continuum for older adults.”
The Prince George Council of Seniors is one of SHINE’s 10 community partners.