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It was just over a year ago, that a supportive housing project was planned for McIntosh Road in Rutland. Today it's ready to take in its first occupants.
Dawn Himer from the John Howard Society said the building will help restore dignity. "Housing with supports makes a difference in lives and creates opportunity for safe, health and inclusive communities for all," said Himer.
Among the first to take up residence will be Swan, and his fiance Mariah Quesnel. "This is what I've been dreaming of my whole life," said Swan. "And now I have a fiance to share it with." Quesnel said they hope to stay sober in their new home. "Staying in shelter living, that was kind of hard," she said.
Himer admits the surrounding community isn't entirely supportive, but they're working on it. "I do believe it's still going to take some time," she said. "We're going to have a neighbourhood open house next week."
Himer said becoming good neighbours is a priority. "And we're going to work together hold ourselves accountable to making sure this is going to be a great neighbourhood and a great place to live."
The provincial government provided $15.5 million for the project along with a budget for $1 million per year to operate. Samuel Place brings the total number of supportive homes built in the last two years in Kelowna to 136 with work underway on another 100.
Below, we've embedded the video story we put together in January 2019 when the project was first announced.
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