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Funding increased for transition houses

The province is increasing its annual funding for transition houses by $580,000 and the result is that 24 of the 61 transition houses in B.C., including one in Squamish, will enjoy budget increases.

The province is increasing its annual funding for transition houses by $580,000 and the result is that 24 of the 61 transition houses in B.C., including one in Squamish, will enjoy budget increases.

The Howe Sound Women’s Centre in Squamish is expected to gain $20,104 in annual funding.

Minister of State for Women’s and Seniors Services Ida Chong announced the increase last week and also pledged a further $80,000 to enhance services in Queen Charlotte City and Fernie.

The increase results from the introduction of a transition house-funding model.

"We promised to direct resources to where they’re needed by focussing them on direct, essential services for women facing abuse," said Chong.

"Funding for transition houses has traditionally been ad hoc and inconsistent, as new houses opened.

"The new model acknowledges that each house is different, and gives us flexibility in making funding decisions while ensuring consistent funding for all houses."

In addition, the ministry is investing $200,000 from its prevention of violence budget for a community-based initiative to provide prevention services.

The Community Co-ordination for Women's Safety project will help co-ordinate groups that provide direct support to women experiencing abuse or violence.

Pacific Salmon funding running dry

The Pacific Salmon Foundation is calling for more funding to help support volunteers throughout B.C. who work to enhance and preserve pacific salmon habitat.

The PSF funds groups such as the Squamish River Watershed Society through the Community Salmon Program, but admitted it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with demand.

"We need more help… the DFO (Department of Fisheries and Oceans) is under the budget knife and so is the provincial government," the Director of Salmon programs, Rich Chapple, said.

"As government funding has become more scarce, we’ve noticed an increase in applications. This puts greater pressure on our selection committees, who have to make hard decisions in the face of more requests and less funding from other sources."

The DFO contributes $300,000 annually to PSF’s Community Salmon Program while the remainder is raised through PSF’s charity dinners and auctions, corporate partnerships and private donations.

For more information call the Pacific Salmon offices at 604-664-7664 or visit www.pacificsalmon.ca.