Forty-nine of the most vulnerable people in Kelowna will have a roof over their heads on Monday when the city’s newest supporting housing development opens its doors.
McCurdy Place, on the corner of McCurdy and Rutland Streets, is unique among Kelowna’s supportive housing developments in that it provides more “full service” to residents in recovery.
The development met with serious opposition from local residents when it was first announced in 2019, and more than 14,000 people signed a petition against the construction. As a result, the housing estate has been changed from allowing local drug use to recreational-based housing.
“We looked at those who would like to be here and connect with our mental health and substance use specialist,” said Jen Kanters, assistant director of housing and homeless services at Canada’s Mental Health Association Kelowna.
“We can look at other supportive homes and find people who may need support here or who might want the support offered here, and in return we open more supportive accommodation to individuals who need support, possibly off the street, who may be more of an approach to the Need harm reduction and have services such as overdose prevention performed at other locations. “
While drug use is not allowed at McCurdy Place, Kanters said they will work with residents on a case-by-case basis.
“We understand that sometimes a slip is part of recovery and the last thing we want to do is lead someone into the experience of homelessness because they slip up on their trip,” said Kanters.
“If they did this, they would be working closely with a mental health and substance use specialist to get re-committed to their wellness plan. If substance use becomes problematic for this person, for the other residents who live here, or for the community, we would try to move them to alternative housing that is better suited to their support needs. “
The facility is operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna and funded by BC Housing. The province will provide an annual operating grant of up to $ 1.4 million to operate the facility.
In the past two years, BC Housing has opened 274 units in Kelowna, including 38 units on Ellis Street, 51 units on Agassiz Road and 50 units on McIntosh Road.
Another unique feature of McCurdy Place is that seven of the rooms are reserved for people between the ages of 17 and 19, while another 10 are reserved for people between the ages of 20 and 24. Kanters says this will help support teens who are nursing older, and have nowhere to go.
The rooms at McCurdy Place are partially subsidized by BC Housing. Residents pay $ 375 per month, including two meals a day and access to the many on-site support services. Moving in for the 49 residents begins on Monday.
