The Stanley/New Fountain shelter in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside received a funding extension of just over $1 million yesterday to remain open for another year while more supportive housing is built.

The 40-bed shelter was one of the city’s first HEAT initiatives and opened in December 2008 to provide temporary accommodation for the homeless during the winter months.

The province decided to keep the shelter open for another year because it is well trusted and popular.

Coun. Kerry Jang, a psychiatry professor at UBC, said that not all homeless people want to go into housing, especially if they are not under care or supervision.

Jang also stressed that each shelter attracts a different population and adjusts its service to different types of clientele. “There’s not one magical cure for all. Our shelters suit the populations at hand.”

He said shelters are a great first step in treating the homeless, something that has been missing in Vancouver. “Without the first step, we could lose them forever.”