VERNON – More people experiencing homelessness in Vernon can find a safe, warm place this winter as BC Housing and the city open new short-term shelter beds in the community.

In November, approximately 40 short-term beds are scheduled to open at 2804 - 33rd St., next to the Gateway shelter. Turning Points Collaborative, operator of the Gateway shelter, will manage the new project called Compass, providing residents with 24/7 support.

People wanting to stay at Compass will go through a thorough assessment process. They will have access to on-site supports, including life-skills training and employment assistance, in addition to connection and referral to community services and support groups to help them achieve and maintain housing stability.

The beds at Compass are an interim measure until spring 2019, when a new 52-unit permanent supportive housing project, announced by the Province in November 2017, is expected to open at 3500 - 27th Ave. and 2600 - 35th St.

Construction is also nearing completion for 46 new shelter beds at 2307 - 43rd St. This project is expected to open in December 2018.

Quick Facts:

• In October 2017, 153 people in the City of Vernon self-identified as homeless.
• The community’s Gateway shelter has been operating over capacity all year and cannot increase services.

Learn More:

Building BC: Rapid Response to Homelessness program:
https://www.bchousing.org/partner-services/major-projects/rapid-response-homelessness

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

In October 2018, the B.C. government introduced the Poverty Reduction Strategy Act, which will define the scope of a strategy to lift thousands of people out of poverty. The strategy will be released in early 2019:
www.leg.bc.ca/parliamentary-business/bills-and-legislation

Contacts:

Lindsay Byers
Media Relations
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
250 952-0617

Laura Mathews
BC Housing
media@bchousing.org
604 454-5426

Nick Nilsen
Manager, Communications and Grants
City of Vernon
250 550-3539