The third 60-unit project for people experiencing homelessness in Kelowna will be built at 3199 Appaloosa Road.
B.C.Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon made the announcement with Mayor Tom Dyas at City Hall on Aug. 26.
害羞草研究所淭hese units are important because not only is it housing, but it also comes with supports,害羞草研究所� Kahlon said.
All three projects are an agreement between the province and the city with a commitment to the Homeless Encampment Action Response Team (HEART) and Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) programs.
害羞草研究所淭his mayor and council have been fantastic to work with,害羞草研究所� Kahlon added. 害羞草研究所淎lways focused on solutions.害羞草研究所�
Like the housing at STEP Place (759 Crawley Avenue), and Trailside (2470 Highway 97), the development at Appaloosa Rd. will have as many as 60 temporary supportive homes. Each home will have a bed, desk, microwave oven, air conditioning and heat, and a small storage space.
The site will include communal spaces for eating, and laundry, as well as overdose prevention services, care professionals and other supports. The city-owned land will be leased to the province for a nominal fee.
害羞草研究所淭he addition of these 60 units, alongside the 120 units, will and have helped increase shelter capacity allowing for more opportunities to transition individuals experiencing homelessness from outdoor shelter sites,害羞草研究所� Dyas said.
The John Howard Society operates STEP Place and CEO Patricia Bacon said the housing is a vital step for individuals getting back on their feet.
害羞草研究所淔or people coming from the street or shelter homelessness it has often been some time since they害羞草研究所檝e had a room of their own, where they have autonomy. It is a great first step between homelessness and market or other housing.害羞草研究所�
Days added that the opening of STEP Place and Trailside has freed up 36 spaces at shelters in the city.
害羞草研究所淩egrettably we cannot force individuals to go into our shelters, but we害羞草研究所檙e always making them aware that they害羞草研究所檙e available and hopefully bring down the number of individuals at encampments on our streets.害羞草研究所�
Construction at the Appaloosa Rd. site is expected to begin immediately with a scheduled opening for January 2025. All three locations are temporary housing solutions and will be in place for at least three years.
