$11M Funding For Vernon Homelessness, Addictions

Vernon, BC, Canada / 1075 KISS FM Pete McIntyre November 15, 2017 01:57 pm

The BC government is committing 11 million dollars to deal with homelessness and addictions issues in Vernon.Housing minister Selina Robinson has made that announcement which is for two projects, to be operated by the John Howard Society of the North Okanagan. A new, permanent modular-housing project will be located on land owned by BC Housing at 27th Avenue and 35th Street, which will provide 53 supportive housing units for people transitioning out of homelessness. These will be self-contained units with personal kitchens and washrooms.A new permanent modular shelter with approximately 45 beds will also be constructed at 2307 43rd Street to expand capacity of the current homeless shelter and transitional housing development at Howard House. We know there’s an urgent need to address homelessness in Vernon and communities throughout British Columbia,” says Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “These modular projects will make an incredible difference in the lives of vulnerable people in the city who are struggling to find and maintain stable housing.”

“We’re pleased to see the Province step up to address homelessness with support to deliver these modular housing units in Vernon,” says Vernon mayor Akbal Mund. “We applaud the Province’s efforts to create more safe and secure housing options that support some of Vernon’s most vulnerable citizens.” Vernon follows Vancouver as the second B.C. community to include modular housing as part of a solution to help address homelessness. “The announcement of modular housing projects in Vernon is a significant milestone for us,” said Kelly Fehr and Randene Wejr, co-executive directors of the John Howard Society of the North Okanagan. “We’re pleased to be partnering with the Province to provide supportive housing to those in need.”

The Province continues to work with a number of communities across B.C. to determine locations for additional modular housing. The government is investing $291 million to build 2,000 modular-housing units for people who are homeless and more than $170 million over three years to provide 24/7 staffing and support services.
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Also see:  https://www.castanet.net/news/Vernon/211644/New-housing-for-homeless
and http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/news/new-modular-housing-for-homeless-in-vernon/