VERNON – The $1.2-million Gateway Vernon Shelter with 25 permanent emergency beds for men and women officially opened today, announced Tom Christensen, MLA for Okanagan-Vernon. “The government is working with community partners across the province to help homeless British Columbians find safe, secure housing and the supports they need to become independent,” said Christensen. “The Gateway Vernon Shelter is an excellent example of local groups and the Province pulling together to help citizens most in need.”Through the Provincial Homelessness Initiative, the Province provided $1.2 million in funding for the purchase and renovation of the Gateway Vernon Shelter at 2800 33rd Street. The Province will also provide up to $530,000 in ongoing annual operating funding through the Emergency Shelter Program for staffing and programming services. The shelter accommodates up to 13 men and 12 women with separate and secure sleeping quarters. Operations will run 24 hours a day, seven days a week with two staff on duty at all times. The John Howard Society – North Okanagan/Kootenay Region of B.C. will manage the men’s shelter and support services.
“Our organization has the capacity to provide emergency shelter and much needed services to our community’s most vulnerable,” said Barbara Levesque, executive director, John Howard Society – North Okanagan/Kootenay Region of B.C. “We have the opportunity to connect our clients with other support services to help end the cycle of homelessness.” The Vernon and District Women’s Centre will manage the women’s shelter beds and support services through a partnership with the John Howard Society.“The opening of this permanent shelter for homeless women in Vernon is a tremendous relief,” said Ann Forrest, executive director of the Vernon and District Women's Centre Society. “With this building and funding, we will continue reaching out to more women living on the streets and help them to find housing to keep them safe.” Spearheaded by the Social Planning Council for the North Okanagan, local business owners and social service agencies formed a committee to address concerns about homelessness in Vernon. The Gateway Vernon Shelter was the result of the committee’s work. “The development of a permanent shelter for men and women is the work of many community groups, volunteers, local government and the Province,” said Annette Sharkey, executive director of the Social Planning Council for the North Okanagan. “I am very proud of the way our community has come together to ensure that Vernon has an emergency shelter all year round.”
------------------------
GATEWAY VERNON SHELTER
Operated by the John Howard Society – North Okanagan/Kootenay Region of B.C., the Gateway Vernon Shelter at 2800 33rd Street in Vernon will provide 25 emergency shelter beds for men and women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The two-storey building is a low-barrier shelter and will provide 13 beds for men and 12 beds for women with separate and secure sleeping quarters. The shelter will operate around the clock and offer full support services, such as counselling and job training. The John Howard Society – North Okanagan/Kootenay Region of B.C. will manage the men’s shelter and support services and provide grounds maintenance. The Vernon and District Women’s Centre will manage the women’s shelter and support services as a subcontractor.
Partners and Funding:
The Province provided $1.2 million, the total capital cost of the development, through the Provincial Homelessness Initiative, including $523,000 to purchase the building and property and $632,050 for renovations.The Province is providing up to $530,000 in ongoing annual operating funding through the Emergency Shelter Program.
The John Howard Society – North Okanagan/Kootenay Region of B.C.
The John Howard Society - North Okanagan/Kootenay Region of B.C. has a long history of providing services in the area. Their programs focus on crime prevention, education, rehabilitation and reintegration into the community. The society has been providing residential services to homeless and low-income men for 50 years, since their first shelter opened in 1968.
Vernon and District Women’s Centre Society
The Vernon and District Women's Centre Society has been providing women’s services in Vernon since 1985. They have a history of addressing crime prevention and community development from a women-centred approach. The society has also been an active community partner in creating stand-alone women’s shelter services.
No comments:
Post a Comment