Housing funding in the plans

By Peter McIntyre Kiss FM News (Dec 9, 2008)

Officials are calling it the final piece to solving the homelessness issue in Vernon. The city of Vernon is supporting an proposed agreement with BC Housing for the construction of permanent supported housing on municipal sites. Annette Sharkey with the Social Planning Council says a group of housing agencies determined what the priorities would be."A group of non profit housing agencies came together, and we do have a business consultant working with that group, and what they're doing is identifying what the major gaps are. Women definitely came out number one, also youth and young families and then of course, the ongoing issue of men and where men will find permanent housing."

Sharkey says if the deal is approved by BC Housing, it would be worth in the millions of dollars to build the housing, and provide staffing. "This would be huge, This is really what we've been waiting for. The (Gateway) shelter is such an important part of the puzzle, but really it's permanent housing that will solve the problem." Sharkey says the the first project will focus on providing housing for women for after they leave the transition house.According to Sharkey, Vernon would be only the 6th BC city to sign a memorandum of understanding with BC Housing.Kelowna, Surrey, Vancouver, Victoria and Abbotsford are the others.

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Starlee Speers - Vernon 105.7 SUN FM Affordable Housing

A solution to Vernon's housing crisis is in the works.Annette Sharkey with the Social Planning council says a Memorandum of Understanding with BC housing would mean millions of dollars in funding for affordable housing in Vernon. She says the city must agree to provide property for the housing developments as well as waive DCC's and other municipal charges. Sharkey says community groups have identified transitional housing for women as their first priority followed by men, youth and young parents. Only four other communities have MOU's with BC Housing, Vancouver, Victoria, Abbotsford and Kelowna.