Student's killer on parole
Charges after investigation
Hostage was on captor 
Regulating power prices
Gen X is raking it in
LeBlanc laying groundwork
US vetoes UN resolution
$100M Nassar settlement
12 Trump jurors picked
Rates slow green economy
Vicinity hires president,
Record housing starts
Warriors ready for Round 2
Kalamalka Bowl cancelled
Rockets live to fight on
Rihanna's parenting ‘hack’
Tarantino scraps film
Munn talks cancer battle
Homelessness is not a new phenomenon to our region. In 2005 a 4 Pillar Coalition identified 28 goals in a Drug and Alcohol plan. The call for action identified enforcement, treatment, prevention and harm reduction. Kelowna put a roadmap in place. A drug coordinator was hired. Cardington Apartments, Willowbridge (CMHA), NOW (New Opportunities for Women) and New Gate Apartments (John Howard Society) all managed new housing projects. Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society had temporary apartments at the former La Mission.
Many agencies and churches filled other gaps and the Kelowna Gospel Mission, the Foodbanks, Inn Out of the Cold, and Interior Health Outreach continues to add supportive care. Ongoing affordable housing is provided by the Society of Hope and Habitat for Humanity. The Boys and Girls Club has temporary housing for youth at risk.
So what has happened? A 4 pillar strategy is no longer in place. The coordinator position is no longer in place. Community Court is no longer in place. Homelessness awareness week is no longer in place. A priority to deal with homelessness is no longer in place.
When homelessness issues improve as they did a number of years ago the work should not have stopped. It should be in place for the long term!
Sharon Shepherd
Former Mayor City of Kelowna
(2005-2011)
