Non-profit operators have been chosen for two new temporary housing projects for people experiencing homelessness in 琉璃神社.

BC Housing has selected the John Howard Society of Okanagan and Kootenay to operate the site at 759 Crowley Avenue, and Turning Points Collaborative Society for the site at 2740 Highway 97 North.

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鈥淲e know this housing is needed urgently, which is why we have worked quickly to secure experienced operators who can provide the necessary supports and services vulnerable people need to stabilize their lives,鈥� said Ravi Kahlon, minister of housing. 鈥淲e know that work is far from done, which is why we will continue to take urgent action to expedite construction on these homes so people can move in as soon as possible.鈥�

The projects will provide 120 supportive homes for people experiencing homelessness.

The Crowley Ave. project should be completed and have residents moving in February 2024.

The Highway 97 North development is anticipated to be complete by March 2024.

Both sites are on land owned by the City of 琉璃神社, which will lease the land to the province for a nominal fee.

鈥淛ohn Howard and Turning Points are both experienced and established operators and valued partners,鈥� said 琉璃神社 Mayor Tom Dyas. 鈥淲ith the cold season here, we look forward to seeing these sites open as soon as possible.鈥�

Support services include daily meals, 24/7 staffing, access to skills training, and support navigating the housing system. Individuals moving into these homes will be assessed and matched with appropriate supports.

The announcement comes days after 琉璃神社 MLAs Renee Merrifield, Norm Letnick and Ben Stewart wrote an open letter to the BC Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon asking for urgent support for the housing project.

鈥淭his initiative is promising, but it highlights the need for more proactive and efficient responses to homelessness and housing challenges,鈥� said Merrifield.

鈥淭he John Howard Society of Okanagan and Kootenay is proud to be part of this innovative transitional housing initiative for 琉璃神社, said Patricia Bacon, executive director of John Howard. 鈥淭his program will empower clients to take ownership of their housing and creates a pathway to the right housing. STEP Place provides a brief but thoughtful 鈥渟top on the way鈥� to permanent housing for vulnerable persons.

The projects are temporary solutions, providing time for BC Housing and the city to identify and build new permanent supportive housing.

While the initiative will fill a much-needed housing requirement, business owners near the Crowley operation did express concern for people鈥檚 safety.

Jamie Schmidt, an employee with ACE Courier, spoke with Capital News when the village was first announced.

He said that the area does not have sidewalks and is not well-lit. Schmidt said that ACE Courier is in operation 24/7 and as a result, semi trucks will be driving and unloading directly beside the 60 tiny homes. Schmidt said that the day-today operations of ACE Courier will not only be disruptive but also dangerous for residents of the village.

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