Saanich non-profit receives provincial funding to expand temporary shelter space

The Victoria Native Friendship Centre. (CTV News)

The Victoria Native Friendship Centre in Saanich, B.C., has more room to welcome people experiencing or at risk of homelessness with a warm place to stay overnight, after receiving funding to open 25 new temporary shelter spaces.

“Adding 25 new temporary shelter beds will allow us to offer immediate relief and support to more people in need, especially as we head into the colder months,” says VNFC’s executive director Ron Rice – Wush’q. “At VNFC, we recognize the urgent crisis that homelessness presents and will continue to advocate for solutions to support our most vulnerable community members.”

Rice made the comment in a release provided by BC Housing that details the plans. The new overnight shelter spaces are open and available to people who are 19 years of age and older. People who want a spot can call VNFC from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. daily to check availability and pre-register for a bed.

The centre on Regina Avenue has other services for shelter guests that include meals, showers, laundry access, and transportation.

BC Housing hopes the new shelter space in Saanich will help take pressure of service providers in Victoria. Last fall, the capital city’s mayor, Marianne Alto, wrote a letter on behalf of council to each CRD municipality urging communities to establish more permanent shelter space.

According to BC Housing, funding for VNFC’s temporary shelter beds comes from its temporary winter shelter program and they will stay open nightly until April 30, 2026.

People are encouraged to call [phone] to enquire about availabilities or pre-book a spot.