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There should soon be no more cold nights or couch surfing for some of Vernon's homeless population after a major announcement from the B.C. government on Wednesday.
Approximately $11 million in provincial money will be spent on two projects designed to get people off of the street and out of tent cities.
One is a new, permanent modular-housing project to be located on land owned by BC Housing at 27th Avenue and 35th Street which will provide 53 supportive housing units for people transitioning out of homelessness. These will be self-contained units with personal kitchens and washrooms.
As well, a new permanent modular shelter with approximately 45 beds will be constructed at 2307 43rd Street to expand capacity of the current homeless shelter and transitional housing development at Howard House.
All of the units will be operated by the John Howard Society of the North Okanagan.
Work is expected to start in the new year.
The NDP government has promised to build 2,000 modular units throughout B.C. over two years.
"We know there's an urgent need to address homelessness in Vernon and communities throughout British Columbia," said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. "These modular projects will make an incredible difference in the lives of vulnerable people in the city who are struggling to find and maintain stable housing."
City councillors had lobbied hard for help as the homeless problem grew over the last two years.
"We're pleased to see the province step up to address homelessness with support to deliver these modular housing units in Vernon," said Mayor Akbal Mund.
Vernon follows Vancouver as the second B.C. community to include modular housing as part of a solution to help address homelessness.
"The announcement of modular housing projects in Vernon is a significant milestone for us," said Kelly Fehr and Randene Wejr, co-executive directors of the John Howard Society. "We're pleased to be partnering with the province to provide supportive housing to those in need."
In October, Fehr reported that 153 people in Vernon were known to be homeless.
