Showers, laundry facility for vulnerable Surrey residents at risk of closing due to funding

The Healthy Living Complex of Care offers showers and laundry facilities for those in need, but a loss of funding has put the services at risk.

For many without regular access to bathrooms, showers, laundry and shelter in Surrey, the Healthy Living Complex of Care offers not only a place to clean up and rejuvenate, but a lifeline.

The facility has offered hygiene and respite services at the Cove Shelter site since November 2022 and, according to the Surrey Urban Mission (SUM), has helped thousands of people.

Clients like Angelina Ryan say they have been a “life changer.”

“They made the difference in me getting in place or not. They helped me get a place and they do a wonderful job,” she said. “Without them, I’d be still sleeping on sidewalks.”

But now, advocates say the centre is at risk of closing after provincial funding expired.

The centre was previously funded by a grant from the Union of B.C. Municipalities that was given out by the City of Surrey. BC Housing is covering the bill temporarily.

O’Halloran says the facility costs $75,000 per month to operate, including cleaning and staffing such as counselling.

If a new source of funding isn’t found within the next two weeks, he says it may be forced to shutter by Aug. 15.