New supportive homes open in Kelowna
A new supportive housing project has opened in Kelowna.
McCurdy Place, at 130 McCurdy Road, provides 49 homes with wraparound supports for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness who are further along their recovery journey. One floor of the four-storey building is dedicated to supporting young adults.
“Homelessness affects the whole community, not just the people who experience it directly, but also their families, friends and neighbours,” said Colin Basran, mayor, City of Kelowna. “These new homes with supports mean 49 people in Kelowna will have a comfortable, reliable and safe place to live with the supports in place they need. That’s an important accomplishment in itself, but it also demonstrates what can be achieved when agencies and different levels of government work together.”
The province provided $12.4 million for the project through the Building BC: Supportive Housing Fund and will provide an annual operating subsidy of up to $1.4 million.
The Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna and District Branch (CMHA Kelowna) will manage the building. All residents will receive individualized case planning to further develop life and social skills, such as employment planning and managing the transition to independence and recovery. At least two staff members will be on site 24-7. The building will have additional supports, such as a mental health and substance use specialist.
“Recovery-oriented housing that is focused on the overall well-being of an individual is a great addition to the ecosystem of supportive housing in our community,” said Shelagh Turner, executive director, CMHA Kelowna. “We are proud to be the operators of McCurdy Place, working alongside and supporting the residents as they realize their life goals.”
Residents will begin moving into their new homes on Monday, March 22, 2021. A community advisory committee has been formed. It includes representatives from BC Housing, Interior Health, the City of Kelowna, RCMP, CMHA Kelowna, local businesses and community members. The committee will oversee the project’s integration within the community and help address any concerns that may arise.
“The opening of McCurdy Place is a huge milestone for us,” Stephanie Ball, executive director, Central Okanagan Journey Home Society, said. The addition of 300 units of supportive housing was one of our top-10 actions identified when Journey Home was founded in 2018, and we’ve surpassed it with McCurdy Place. More important than that is the impact these new homes will have in Kelowna. They could provide more permanent housing for someone currently living in a shelter or they could provide a safety net for someone at risk of experiencing homelessness.”
Over the past two years, the province has worked in partnership to open 274 supportive homes in Kelowna.