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Once the focus of angry protests, the supportive housing project at the corner of Rutland and McCurdy Roads in Kelowna is now filling with tenants.
McCurdy Place is open.
"We're so excited," said Jen Kanters from the Canadian Mental Health Association in Kelowna, "to change the lives and make an impact on 49 individuals as well as on the community of Rutland."
People began moving in on Monday, and what has the CMHA particularly excited is the fact that this project will have more supports in place than other facilities, including a full-time mental health and substance abuse coordinator.
The other difference is that in order to take up residence at McCurdy Place, if a person has been involved in the use of hard drugs, they have to be committed to a recovery plan. Ongoing drug use onsite is not accepted. Still, if a person was found to be using, that doesn't mean they would be immediately evicted.
"Recovery, we know is not a linear path. It's not a straight line," explained Kanters. "We realize that slips and relapses are a part of life and they're a part of recovery."
"We looked for individuals who are committed to recovery," said Kanters. "Committed to working with the mental health and substance abuse specialist on a wellness plan."
17 of the 49 beds at McCurdy Place are dedicated to young people. CMHA is partnered with the Ministry of Children and Family Development to provide space for young people who are emerging from foster care.
"Being a young person, you are in a state of transition anyways," said Kanters. "So to be able to have a stable home with stable supports and again a wellness plan with goals is huge."
In July of 2019, area residents lined the boulevard waving placards in opposition to plans for a supportive housing project.
After public pressure at City Hall, BC Housing agreed to shift the focus of the facility to house people who are "further along the path to recovery".
The vehement opponents to the project were invited to visit the facility to express their concerns and learn about what the plans are. And Kanters said it made a big difference.
"We've learned a lot, they've learned a lot," she said. "Those who were most vocal have actually offered to volunteer."
The remainder of the initial 49 residents of McCurdy Place are expected to be moved in by the end of the week.
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