Facility would run out of Central Heights Church

Written by: Vikki Hopes
Feb 25, 2025 10:22 AM

Listen to this article by accessing the above player.

A 30-bed emergency shelter for older adults is being planned at Central Heights Church in Abbotsford.

The plan came before city council on Tuesday afternoon (Feb. 25), when a temporary-use permit and housing agreement were approved.

A staff report to council states that 30 individual “sleeping units” will be provided in an existing building on the church property at 1661 McCallum Rd.

That area at the north end of the building has been operating by Sparrow Community Services Society as a severe weather shelter for older adults.

A letter to the city from BC Housing in September 2024 states that in order to accommodate the emergency shelter, the building will be renovated to include sufficient washroom and shower facilities, accessible entry and operator spaces.

The space is expected to be completed this winter.

The Central Heights Church Shelter will continue to be run by Sparrow – which serves older adults (50+) who are at risk of homelessness – under an agreement with BC Housing.

Support services will be provided 24/7 under the Homelessness Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) and Homelessness Encampment Action Response Team (HEART) programs.

The staff report to council says a temporary-use permit was required to accommodate the proposed use as it abuts an existing residential use.

The permit will be valid for three years, with the opportunity to request one three-year extension.

The housing agreement includes that the operators must form a good neighbour committee with monthly meetings for the first four months and then on an as-needed basis.

The operators must also provide support services – directly or through referrals – such as life-skills training, counselling and substance-use services.

They must also at least have two staff on site 24/7, and ensure that guests “do not disturb the peace, quiet and enjoyment of the neighbourhood.”

The project has drawn support from Fraser Health and the Abbotsford Police Department, which states that the current services offered at the site have required fewer police resources than comparable facilities.

The city says there are currently 40 encampments and more than 400 unhoused individuals across Abbotsford.

Originally published online at The Abbotsford News