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In response to Kelowna’s urgent need for housing solutions, the John Howard Society has secured funding from BC Housing and support from the City of Kelowna to operate Cornerstone, a new temporary winter response shelter.
The John Howard Society will be leasing the former A&B Sound property at 425 Leon Ave for Cornerstone.
Executive Director Gaelene Askeland and Manager Andrea Sage say that the shelter is low-barrier, making it welcoming and safe for the community. Their goal is to see as many people off the streets and to save as many lives this winter as possible.
The John Howard Society and BC Housing say this is meant to be a temporary solution to an urgent situation in Kelowna.
Cornerstone will operate 24/7, and a minimum of three staff members are on the premises at all times, and a manager will be on call 24 hours a day.
The shelter is scheduled to open at 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 30th, and will house up to 80 homeless or at risk people per night.
Operated through March 2018, the shelter will provide support including three meals a day, laundry, assistance with housing searches, and access to community services.
People using the shelter will have a place to bring their belongings indoors, including pets, and they will not need to leave during the day.
The Society is also planning on working with outreach workers to let people on the street know that the shelter is available.
Additionally, the John Howard Society will be operating at another location leased by BC Housing to provide modular housing for homeless and at-risk people.
BC Housing has applied for a development permit from the City for the vacant lot at 1642 Commerce St.
The project, when completed, will provide 55 homes. Preparation work is expected to begin as early as December, with a goal to open by early 2018.
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