History

The Fund

In 2007 the City of Surrey allocated $9 million from the City’s Affordable Housing Reserve Fund to seed the Surrey Homelessness and Housing Fund. This was a response to the emerging trend of homelessness and lack of affordable housing in the City of Surrey.

The Surrey Homelessness and Housing Fund is an endowment – meaning the principal amount remains relatively intact. This model allows the fund to have a much greater impact over a longer period of time. Endowment funds also encourage larger donations and greater donor interest and involvement. As the fund grows, The Society will be able to provide more funding to housing and homelessness solutions.

The Surrey Homelessness and Housing Fund is managed by the Vancity Community Foundation on behalf of the Surrey Homelessness and Housing Society.

The Society

The Surrey Homelessness and Housing Society was established by Surrey City Council in 2007. The society is responsible for overseeing the management and growth of the fund and making recommendations about the awarding of grants.

The Board of Directors of the Surrey Homelessness and Housing Society is made up of diverse stakeholders including representatives from community, business, service, and faith groups, in addition to representatives from local government and labour organizations.

Inaugural Grant

In 2008, we awarded a one -time grant of $1 million to The Atira Women’s Resource Society, completing the $17 million Atira needed to build an 8,000-square-foot community building in the heart of Whalley.

Once completed, the facility will provide services for at-risk women and girls who struggle with substance abuse, mental-health problems and violence. The project includes housing units for short-term stays, long-term transition and a childcare centre and health clinic. The building is expected to serve 200 people a year, with the health clinic serving another 5,000 women.