$ 3.2 million grant for the homeless
Photo: Rob Gibson
The City of Kelowna will be reimbursed for the construction of an overnight campground for the homeless on Richter Street and Weddell Place.
The city of Kelowna has raised $ 3.2 million for improved outdoor campsites for the community’s homeless residents.
The federal and state government grant from UBCM is used to reimburse costs for the construction and operation of the purpose-built overnight campground at Richter Street and Weddell Place.
The funds will also be used for a day care facility with personal storage, outreach support services and access to personal hygiene services. An awareness campaign will be launched to reduce the stigma of homelessness.
PEOPLE Employment Services, Metro Community, Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society, and the Canadian Mental Health Association will also benefit from the grant.
“This is a remarkable achievement and I am delighted that the City of Kelowna has received this scholarship,” said Mayor Colin Basran.
“The COVID-19 pandemic, the opioid crisis, a difficult housing market and the lack of affordable housing have made the housing landscape more complex in the past year and contributed to the dynamism of homelessness.”
Basran says the grant shows that all levels of government are working together to improve conditions for people affected by homelessness.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for all of us, but the people of Kelowna sheltering outdoors have felt it very much,” said Darren Caul, community security director.
“The aim of this grant is to improve health and safety specifically for this population group. We have worked with the Lived Experience Circle on Homelessness to develop a comprehensive plan to improve conditions for people outdoors and we are committed to using that funding and making the plan a reality. “
