Photo: Contributed

When many of us think about homelessness and addiction, our mind often goes to adults. But children are affected by these issues too, and they need support just as much as adults do.

There are no publicly funded recovery houses for kids under 17 in the Okanagan, so the Bridge Youth & Family Services sought for a letter of support from Vernon city council on Monday on this issue.

"We need places of recovery for these children," said Celine Thompson, executive director at BYFS. "We are having to send these kids away to Vancouver or Prince George to get them the help they need, which is far away from their comfort zone and support systems."

BYFS is hoping for a 16-bed recovery house in Vernon, and they already have a plan in motion for Kelowna.

"We have committed a house in Kelowna for six kids," said Thompson. "We are still awaiting funds, which will take some time. We don't want to open the house until we have at least one year's worth of operating funds available."

The presentation was heard by council, and a potential letter of support will be discussed at a future meeting.