PENTICTON - A new supportive housing redevelopment will soon open its doors for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in the community, allowing them to regroup and begin their journey to recovery.

"The combination of support services, homes and shelter spaces mean this project will help break the cycle of homelessness for people in need of stable and secure housing," said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. "This will create positive impacts in Penticton that extend to neighbours, first responders and the business community. When we bring people indoors and offer them the treatment and supports they need, we help people move on from homelessness. We've seen the success of this approach repeatedly across the province."

Compass Court will provide 16 units of supportive housing and will be the first building to open as part of the redevelopment of up to three buildings at the former Super 8 Motel located at 1706 Main St.

Penticton and District Society for Community Living will operate the building and have staff on- site 24/7 to provide residents with support services ranging from daily meal programs and wellness checks to life and employment skills programming. Support staff will also provide people with access to mental health and substance-use programming.

All units are self-contained and include a private bathroom, kitchenette and bed. People will begin moving in to Compass Court during the second week of May.

In mid-June, Compass Court will also become the new home of the Compass House shelter currently located at 123 Nanaimo Ave.

Quotes:

John Vassilaki, mayor, City of Penticton -

"We're pleased to see Compass Court open. Addressing the challenges surrounding safe housing for those in need is a priority that requires support from each level of government, along with various support agencies. Council is pleased to see the first stage of the Compass Court project completed and this much-needed housing made available for those experiencing homelessness in our community."

Tony Laing, CEO, Penticton and District Society for Community Living (PDSCL) -

"The first step to helping people with homelessness is providing safe and secure housing. This

much-needed, affordable supportive housing is key to helping our most vulnerable citizens. Our community will also benefit from the new, larger Compass House Shelter. On behalf of our PDSCL team, I'm proud to begin the vital operations at Compass Court and Compass House."

Major Tim Leslie, pastor, Salvation Army -

"We've been proudly serving the residents of Penticton for more than 25 years. Compass House has offered needed and crucial shelter to those with nowhere else to go. The new location at Compass Court will provide the same important services, offering safe shelter to those who need it most."

Quick Facts:

• The Province provided $8.5 million in capital and construction costs for the entire redevelopment and is providing an annual operating subsidy.
• An additional 26 units of supportive housing will be built as part of further redevelopment of the site.
• Residents will pay $375 per month, the shelter rate of income assistance.
• In Penticton, 108 people identified as homeless in the December 2018 provincewide Homelessness Count.

Learn More:

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

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

Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
778 698-9176

Rajvir Rao
BC Housing
604 456-8917