Seniors living with mental health and addiction challenges in BC who are at risk of becoming homeless can expect to have more help navigating resources.
The Government of BC has provided Seniors Services Society of BC (SSSBC) with a $809,000 grant for its Senior Housing Information and Navigation Ease (SHINE) program.
SHINE helps seniors access mental health and addictions resources as well as connects them with financial assistance.
“For many seniors, navigating housing, financial aid, mental health and addictions and other services without assistance can be extremely difficult,” said Jennifer Whiteside, the minister of mental health and addictions.
“Without help, seniors may be at risk of falling into poverty, homelessness, experiencing discrimination and inequality."
These services will be delivered through community partners in Kelowna, Prince George, Nanaimo, Langley’s Aldergrove, Surrey, Vancouver’s West End and New Westminster.
Three new partners will be added this year in Penticton, Victoria and Richmond.
“SHINE was envisioned as a city-specific, senior-centred network that balances prevention and responsiveness in addressing widening gaps in the systems supporting older adults,” said Alison Silgardo, the CEO of SSSBC.
“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."
Enhancing supports for people living with mental health and addiction challenges is part of A Pathway to Hope, a vision for mental health and addictions care in BC.
More information about SHINE can be found here.
