Who’s in Charge? Board Decisions & Accountability

👥 Who’s in Charge? Board Decisions & Accountability 👥

The Surrey Homelessness and Housing Society (SHHS) is governed by a nine-member board, chaired by Councillor Pardeep Kooner. Other members include Jim Bennett, Sherry Grewal, Archie Johnston, Brian MacGregor, Hanne Madsen, Nasima Nastoh, Dave Pel, and Jen Temple. Vera LeFranc serves as a consultant. 📋

According to LeFranc, the board’s top priorities are:

• Create housing: Focus on long-term capital projects that add or maintain housing stock. 🏡
• Build capacity: Support programs that improve access to housing and strengthen organizations in the homelessness sector. 🤝
• Be responsive: Remain attentive to urgent community needs. ⚡

The Gap Between Priorities & Reality

While capital projects and strategic planning are important, they don’t always address the immediate crisis. Last year, there were 3,500 shelter turn-aways for women and children. ❌ Many board decisions prioritize “shovel-ready” projects—meaning long-term construction and government funding readiness—over lifesaving emergency shelter solutions.

LeFranc explained that the board wants to give Surrey organizations a “competitive advantage” for funding calls. 💡 But in practice, this focus means urgent needs are left unmet while planning for future projects continues. ⚠️

💔 The question remains: How can the society balance long-term planning with immediate crisis response? And who ensures accountability when lives are at stake?

Stay tuned for Post 4, where we’ll explore short-term solutions and urgent actions that could save lives today. 🛑💛

🌟 Sources: Peace Arch News