A tiny house village intended to shelter people experiencing homelessness is beginning to take shape in 琉璃神社鈥檚 North End.
On Jan. 22, the first of the 60 pre-fabricated homes were dropped off at the site on Crowley Avenue.
The future village is located in an industrial area and is directly across the street from 鈥楾ent City鈥� the municipally-maintained encampment for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness.
The homes are now in the process of being placed in position and hooked up to electricity.
When the location for the tiny house village was announced on Nov. 2, it came as a shock to the businesses in the area and the residents of Tent City.
READ MORE: Industrial location chosen for 琉璃神社 tiny home village raises concerns
The village is intended to house people who are currently living in shelters and will not be available for folks living in Tent City.
The shelters in 琉璃神社 are typically at capacity, particularly during the winter months. The village is intended to free up shelter beds, allowing people currently sleeping outdoors the opportunity to move into a warm bed.
In an interview with Capital News after the location for the village was announced, Debbie (last name redacted for privacy), a long-time resident of Tent City shared her feelings about the development.
Debbie said that it is going to be a long, cold and emotionally difficult winter for those who are not selected for a tiny home and have to watch people live in comfort across the street.
She explained that many of those living at Tent City struggle with mental illness and substance use disorders which can impact their behaviours. She said that additionally, many people have difficulty conforming to the rules at shelters due to past trauma stemming from experiences with people of authority. She said that as a result, many Tent City residents have been kicked out of 琉璃神社鈥檚 shelters and will not be able to live in the shelter space long-term, even if it is available.
Debbie said that it will be hard for herself and her neighbours to watch others be given the opportunity to live in a warm and secure home while they have to sleep in tents across the street.
However, Debbie and other Tent City residents made it clear that the tiny house initiative and accompanying social supports seem to be a net positive and much-needed option for people experiencing homelessness in the community.
The site will be managed by the John Howard Society and will provide residents with access to services and support including meals, skills training, psychological support and help navigating the housing system. The homes are intended to be a temporary step on people鈥檚 journey into independent housing.
鈥淭his program will empower people to take ownership of their housing and create a pathway to the right housing,鈥� said Patricia Bacon, executive director of John Howard.
Tiny house village in 琉璃神社 for people expericing homelessness. Full story at kelownacapnews.com
READ MORE: 2 non-profits to operate contentious tiny home projects in 琉璃神社
Residents are expected to be moving in by February 2024.
Another tiny house village鈥搘hich will be located along Highway 97 North鈥� is anticipated to be completed by March 2024.
READ MORE: Wet, cold, desperate, 琉璃神社 tent city residents plead for fire extinguishers
