Transitional housing helping many move forward

The epidemic of homelessness in our community can seem like an insurmountable challenge. Its origins are a complex, intertwined web of economics, family conflict, mental health challenges, including substance use disorder – and sometimes just plain bad luck.

The challenge is so large, we can lose sight of the fact that with the right support people can and do transition out of homelessness and go on to live fulfilling lives.  The rapid safety net housing sites show that people can thrive when we meet them where they are, provide them with the services and supports they need, and treat them with kindness, compassion, and respect.  

The first two transitional housing sites, 60 homes at STEP Place and 60 homes at Trailside, have already produced encouraging results for the future.

“This spring, we learned that 66 residents of those two places have successfully moved into permanent housing, and hundreds of personal goals have been achieved,” said Colleen Cornock, the City’s Social Development Manager. “Those goals include exploring employment opportunities, reconnecting with family, and accessing vital health and mental health supports.”

These rapid safety net housing places help people get ready to transition from having no home to moving into one of the supportive housing developments or even market rental housing.

The recent opening of Balsam Place rapid safety net housing is going to add momentum to those individual successes.

For those not familiar with the lead-up to these encouraging signs of progress, here is a brief recap of the steps the City of Kelowna has taken to get to this point:

The 180 rapid safety net housing units were completed through the City’s partnership with the Province and its Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) program.

In less than two years — STEP Place, Trailside and Balsam Place — were built, fulfilling the City and Province’s joint commitment to provide new homes for people transitioning out of homelessness under the B.C. Ministry of Housing’s HEARTH program.

The opening of Balsam Place represents the completion of a key stage in the City's Housing Action Plan to oversee the roll-out of rapid safety net housing to bridge people from shelters to permanent housing.

On average, residents of these sites transition to permanent housing within 3.5 months, while others need longer stays before moving on.  

“The sites are integrating well into their neighbourhoods and we’re hearing positive reports from RCMP and our Community Safety and Bylaw teams,” said Cornock.

The newly opened Balsam Place is being operated by Connective, a non-profit with 90 years of experience supporting people across the province.

Named for the arrowleaf balsamroot – a local flower that symbolizes resilience, healing, and renewal – Balsam Place has 60 temporary homes, a dining room, laundry facilities, gathering and programming spaces and transportation services when required.  

“Our experience with STEP Place and Trailside gives us more and more hope that this is a formula for success,” said Cornock. “Balsam Place adds to that commitment to keep working, because seeing people transition out of homelessness is so encouraging to everyone involved in this process.”