Surrey Opens Hygiene Facility With Washroom, Shower and Laundry Access to Support People Experiencing Homelessness

The City of Surrey is excited to announce the opening of the Healthy Living Complex of Care, a new temporary modular facility offering safe and dignified access to washroom, shower, laundry and respite services at the Cove Shelter site at 10607 King George Boulevard. This dedicated facility aims to support the health, hygiene, and well-being of community members experiencing homelessness and other complex challenges. The complex opened on November 24, 2022.

“Access to washrooms, showers and laundry services is critical in supporting those in our community experiencing homelessness and other life challenges,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “The Healthy Living initiative is part of our commitment to enhance the social infrastructure in Surrey and support the health and well-being of all residents.”

The facility, operated by Surrey Urban Mission Society (SUMS), is based on a service model of compassion, safety and dignity. Open seven days a week from 6am to 12am, the facility also supports guests by providing access to Community Connection Workers, a private office space for consultations, and a lounge area with a computer workstation and phone where guests can seek respite and access resources. In addition to washroom, shower, and laundry access, toiletries and snacks are also available.

“We’re grateful to the City of Surrey for the opportunity to operate this much-needed resource,” said Mike Musgrove, Executive Director at Surrey Urban Mission Society. “The timing is excellent as the Healthy Living project is opening just before the cold weather is arriving. Our outreach team is ready and excited to be providing comprehensive care to folks who want it. Access to washrooms, showers, and laundry has been a gap for many years in the City Centre, and this facility will help to meet some of those needs.”

“Access to safe and reliable washrooms and showers is essential in supporting the health and well-being of people experiencing homelessness,” said Bruce Ralston, MLA for Surrey-Whalley.  “The Healthy Living Care Complex provides a welcoming place for people to access services and resources including a laundry room.”

In addition to the Healthy Living site, the City is working with Fraser Health Authority on two sites for Portland Loos (a permanent public washroom that is vandalism resistant and low maintenance).  These loos will be installed in the first quarter of 2023 at the Surrey Memorial Hospital and on Binnie Lane at Grosvenor Road. These additional washrooms will help those unable to access hygienic washrooms elsewhere and reduce social disorder in the area.

The Healthy Living Care Complex is one of six initiatives in the Pandemic Response Package (PRP) funded under the federal government’s Safe Restart Agreement and administered through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) Strengthening Communities’ Services Program to create temporary programming in support of people experiencing homelessness in the City Centre area.