Surrey’s Homelessness and Housing Society has invested more than $11 million over 18 years, supporting housing and shelter projects for vulnerable residents. The update was presented to Surrey council-in-committee on September 15 by Vera LeFranc, former city councillor and consultant to the society.
Founded in 2007 with a $9 million grant from the City’s Affordable Housing Reserve Fund, the society operates at arm’s length from city hall but is chaired by a city councillor. LeFranc outlined a 2024–2027 strategic plan that prioritizes creating housing, building capacity, and responding to community needs.
Recent Grants and Housing Impact
This year, the society received 19 applications requesting over $1 million in funding. The board approved seven projects totaling $268,000, which will help:
- Build 250 new dwellings
- Preserve 40 winter shelter beds
- Support 13 units of family housing with critical upgrades
Past grants have included $50,000 to New Hope Community Services for refugee families and $71,000 to Stonehouse Community Hub, keeping it open during winter.
Priority Populations
The society’s funding focuses on:
- Indigenous people (19% of Surrey’s homeless population)
- Women and children (3,500 shelter turn-aways last year)
- Seniors
- People facing mental health and substance use challenges
- Youth aging out of government care
LeFranc stressed that Surrey continues to face a housing supply shortage at all levels, particularly in low-to-moderate income ranges.
Leadership and Future Focus
The nine-member board is chaired by Coun. Pardeep Kooner and includes community representatives alongside LeFranc as consultant.
“Our job is to create a competitive advantage for Surrey organizations by having them shovel-ready for funding calls,” LeFranc said.
She noted the society may even consider purchasing land to secure future projects, highlighting that Surrey is underfunded compared to other regions.
Coun. Rob Stutt praised the society’s efforts:
“It truly makes a difference, and it’s very much appreciated.”
