The Central Okanagan Journey Home Society (COJHS) is aiming to end chronic homelessness in Kelowna by the end of 2025.

In its mid-term report to city council, the organization noted that hundreds of more supportive housing units will be needed over the next few years.

sa国际传媒淲e recognize that there are not currently any supportive housing units planned in our community, and we require another 516 by 2026,sa国际传媒� said Stephanie Gauthier, executive director, COJHS. sa国际传媒淭he landscape of poverty and homelessness has changed since the JHS was released in 2018 and this report is an opportunity to re-calibrate and refocus our efforts to address homelessness.sa国际传媒�

At least 318 new units have been provided in Kelowna since 2018, in partnership with BC Housing and funded by the province. The report also seeks to end veteran homelessness by September 2023, and connect 90 per cent of people visibly experiencing homelessness to services by the end of 2024.

Gauthier acknowledged the work the city has done with the Journey Home initiative, and that has changed Kelowna.

sa国际传媒淭hanks to your support and advocacy 274 people have moved into supportive housing since 2017,sa国际传媒� she added. sa国际传媒淵ou have made an enormous impact on those peoplesa国际传媒檚 lives. Had we not acted we know we would have had over 700 people who would have experienced homelessness across March last year.sa国际传媒�

Mayor Colin Basran asked Gauthier what she would say to critics regarding the need for another 517 supportive units.

sa国际传媒淚 hear the same conversations of sa国际传媒榳ell if people cansa国际传媒檛 afford to live here they can move to Calgary.sa国际传媒� I think we donsa国际传媒檛 want to be that community. I think this is a community for everyone.sa国际传媒�

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gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
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