KELOWNA – People in Kelowna experiencing homelessness will have a safe and warm place to stay as the operation of the Cornerstone temporary shelter has been extended until March 31, 2019.

The John Howard Society will continue to oversee operation of the shelter. Their extensive experience and expertise working with those who are homeless makes the society a valuable partner at this location.

BC Housing and the John Howard Society have met regularly with neighbouring residents, local businesses and the City of Kelowna to address concerns about the shelter, and will continue to identify alternate locations.

BC Housing will also continue working with the community to find other locations for supportive housing to provide stable, longer-term housing, such as the proposed supportive housing project on Commerce Avenue.

The Cornerstone shelter has 80 mats, which have been fully occupied on most nights throughout this past winter. Other shelters in the community are also near capacity on most nights.

By keeping Cornerstone shelter open for the next year, BC Housing is ensuring those who are homeless in the community have a place to stay.

Quick Facts:

• The proposed housing project on Commerce Avenue is part of a province-wide investment of $291 million to build 2,000 homes around the province and more than $170 million over three years to provide 24/7 staffing and support services.
• Through this program, more than 1,500 new homes for people most in need have started development throughout the province.
• Budget 2018 provides further supports for people struggling with homelessness with the announcement of an additional 2,500 new homes with 24/7 support services.
• The Province is working to develop a Homelessness Action Plan to reduce homelessness through prevention as well as permanent housing and services.

Learn More:

Read Homes for B.C., government’s 30-point plan to address housing affordability for British Columbians: bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/2018/homesbc/2018_Homes_For_BC.pdf 

Media Contacts:

Darren Harbord
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
250-952-0152
 
Laura Mathews
BC Housing
604-439-8571