New Howard House A Priority

Written by Glen Morrison  107.5 KISSFM Wednesday, 28 December 2011 04:23 Vernon's Howard house remains a provincial priority for replacement.  Society executive Director Barb Levesque says the need is real given parts of the current 50 bed facility go back to 1938, the roof leaks, the plumbing frequently backs up and space is limited.  She says there are some things the province won't cover so there'll be a fundraiser.  Levesque says it will be "To assist us with furnishing some of those apartments and the cost that the province dose'nt cover. So we're hoping to make that announcement in the new year as well"  One benefit of the delay from the July 2010 original announcement is the cost has come down from a projected 15 to 20 million dollars to 10.  Levesque says the new facility will also include an affordable housing component.

Economic help to be hired

By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star Published: June 27, 2009 12:00 PM

The global recession paired with the recent closure of one of its few industrial manufacturers (Owens-Illinois glass plant), has Coldstream hoping to hire on some help. The district is looking at hiring an economic development officer to focus on current and future economic needs in Coldstream. “It gives a body to actually getting these tasks done, otherwise these tasks just sit there,” said Mayor Jim Garlick. The officer comes at an estimated cost of $160,000 for 18-months, October through to March 2011. Coldstream is hoping to access the Community Adjustment Fund grant to help offset the costs of the position. If that funding is acquired, Coldstream’s share of the cost would be 10 per cent ($16,000). “I think it’s a great opportunity,” said Coun. Pat Cochrane.

The Government of Canada helps Vernon-area residents gain skills and jobs

March 26, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

VERNON, British Columbia— Colin Mayes, Member of Parliament for Okanagan–Shuswap, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, today announced funding to help unemployed workers and youth at risk in the Vernon area gain skills and jobs. “Our government believes that when individuals are able to update their skills and knowledge, they’ll have more success in entering the labour force or returning to school. Today, it brings me pleasure to announce an investment for a project that achieves these goals,” said Mr. Mayes. “Our investment will allow the Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) of the North Okanagan to help more than 2,200 unemployed individuals and young people in the Vernon region.”

CFDC will help people from the Vernon area develop the life and employability skills they need to enter the labour force or return to school. Participants in the program will become more employable by completing a range of tasks and activities, both in a classroom setting and during short-term work placements.

The Government of Canada is committing $1,110,534 from the Employment Assistance Services program, and $368,344 through Skills Link, one of Canada’s youth-employment programs. The Skills Link and Employment Assistance Services programs involve employers, community organizations, and other levels of government in ensuring that unemployed workers and young people have the opportunity to develop their skills and become contributing members of their communities.

Funding ensures shelter's survival

By David SkelhonWednesday, June 28, 2006 http://www.dailycourier.ca/article_314.php
Okanagan-Vernon MLA Tom Christensen announced yesterday that the Province would provide an additional $110,657 in funding for emergency shelter beds at the John Howard House. “Howard House is an important community resource to assist people in the Vernon area who would otherwise likely be homeless and I’m pleased that the province is helping the Society to continue its good work,” said Christensen.Howard House emergency shelter staff are delighted with the announcement. They said this will ensure the survival of the facility.“It changes everything,” said shelter executive director Barbara Levesque.Levesque said the shelter has been in financial trouble since the federally funded halfway house section closed. The shelter has 24 beds and last month served an average of 19 men per night and was full on several nights.“When the halfway house was shut down we only had funding for 10 emergency shelter beds left,” Levesque said. “Consequently we were losing a significant amount of money each month.” Blair Peden, president of the society’s board of directors, said “It’s wonderful. It’s something we have been trying to acquire for some time . . . it means we are going to survive.”Levesque said that potential donors were put off by the huge debt. “The hole was just too big but now I know other funding is going to come forward as well.” Levesque said this funding would come from private donors and other government programs. Ultimately, she said, “This isn’t about charity, it’s about creating opportunities for people who don’t have many.”“More than 80 per cent of the men are working. Many, many have addiction problems, many have mental health problems and some have both.” she said. Levesque said she would like to see more projects with life skills and literacy. She said there are opportunities in trades at the moment but some of the men need guidance.See said that Howard House had recently seen an increase in young people, age 19 to 23, seeking help. “These are a vulnerable group, easily influenced, often from unstable backgrounds.” She added, “There is always room to inspire young people to have their own apartment, or car or go on a vacation in Mexico.”Howard House has a second floor with 24 bedrooms that have been vacant since the closure of the halfway house.Peden said he would eventually like to see these used as part of a transitional living program, “for people who are really motivated to make positive changes in their lives.”“Residents would have their own, comfortable rooms with a TV,” he said, and the facility would be alcohol, drug and violence free. He said that statistics show it takes three to 12 months of stability before these men can start making their own way. “There's no quick fix,” he said.Peden said part of the facility could also be used to house women. The building is based on a World War I hospital and is built in the shape of an “H” and there is an opportunity to create separate wings.