In a time when inflation is rising and people are struggling to pay rent some months, the Central Okanagan Foundation has come to help a local organization.

On Tuesday, Feb. 13, the foundation donated $50,000 to the Canadian Mental Health Association鈥檚 (CMHA) Central Okanagan Rent Bank program.

This program through CMHA is a one-time interest-free loan and emergency grant to help people pay for their homes that are facing financial troubles.

鈥淢ore people are feeling the impacts of inflation and high rents and finding it harder to keep up financially,鈥� said CMHA 琉璃神社 CEO Mike Gawliuk. 鈥淭here are people and families in our community who are one crisis away from losing the roof over their head; a small investment now to secure someone鈥檚 home is a significant investment in their mental health.鈥�

Gawliuk also adds the rent bank program saw a 49 per cent increase in loan requests last year. In that year, CMHA 琉璃神社 received 431 applications for the rent bank program. In total, they gave out $31,304.21 in loans and $74,630.08 in grants. Applicants must complete a pre-assessment to determine program eligibility.

鈥淭he Central Okanagan Foundation recognizes that stable housing is fundamental to community wellbeing,鈥� said Central Okanagan Foundation manager of grants and community initiatives Abbie Norrish. 鈥淭his strategic investment will help individuals and families retain their homes, helping to address the increasing need and creating a more resilient community for everyone.鈥�

CMHA 琉璃神社 launched the program in 2021.

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