More shelter beds coming

Photo: Contributed

More shelter beds are coming to Vernon this November. 

The province, in partnership with the City of Vernon, announced the addition of roughly 40 short-term beds Monday afternoon. 

"More people experiencing homelessness in Vernon can find a safe, warm place this winter as BC Housing and the city open new short-term shelter beds in the community."

The short-term shelter beds will be located next to the Gateway shelter at 2804 - 33rd Street — the building is the former site of Enlighten Hair and Tanning Salon.

Turning Points Collaborative, the operator of the Gateway shelter, will manage the new project called Compass, providing residents with 24/7 support.

"This site is vital at the moment," said Turning Points' co-executive director, Kelly Fehr. "This is desperately needed as wait for the community." 

In October 2017, 153 people in the City of Vernon self-identified as homeless.

"People wanting to stay at Compass will go through a thorough assessment process," stated the province in a press release.

"They will have access to on-site supports, including life-skills training and employment assistance, in addition to connection and referral to community services and support groups to help them achieve and maintain housing stability."

The beds at Compass are an interim measure until spring 2019, when a new 52-unit permanent supportive housing project, announced by the Province in November 2017, is expected to open at 3500 - 27th Ave. and 2600 - 35th St.

Construction is also nearing completion for 46 new shelter beds at 2307 - 43rd St. This project is expected to open in December 2018.

The community's Gateway shelter has been operating over capacity all year and cannot increase services.