Six Surrey organizations got a major boost Thursday thanks to the Surrey Homelessness and Housing Society.

The Society announced it will provide grants totaling $245,000 to the groups to help solve homelessness in Surrey.

Recipients include: Kla How Eya ($40,000) for a youth transition worker and Newton Advocacy Group Society ($60,000) for a Surrey Rent Bank, which will provide loans for rent, security deposits and utility arrears.

Pacific Community Resources Society will receive $30,000 for the Surrey Homelessness Youth Housing Program for a program providing transitional semi-independent living for homeless and at-risk youth for up to a year.

Surrey Urban Mission, and Jonquil Hallgate are receiving $50,0000 for Building Bridges for LIFE, a program matching people with established lives and a network system with people who have been homeless that have been placed in permanent accommodation.

The Surrey Homelessness and Housing Task Force will receive $5,000 for Surrey Connect Days, a part of Homelessness Action Week. The YWCA Alder Gardens is receiving $60,000 to help provide 28 units of housing for low-income mothers at risk.

In 2007 the City of Surrey allocated $9 million from the City’s Affordable Housing Reserve Fund to seed the Surrey Homelessness and Housing Fund.

It was a response to the emerging trend of homelessness and lack of affordable housing in the City of Surrey.

The fund is managed by the Vancity Community Foundation on behalf of the Surrey Homelessness and Housing Society.

Homeless advocate and Surrey Coun. Judy Villeneuve is pleased with the choices this year.

“These organizations demonstrate the variety of efforts that are needed to solve homelessness,” Villeneuve said. “Some of the grants will contribute to providing safe and affordable housing while others ensure that people have the economic and social supports they need to bring stability to their lives.”

kdiakiw@surreyleader.com