A second transitional housing site has been completed in Kelowna, B.C., providing 60 homes to people experiencing homelessness who are 55 and over and people with physical disabilities. This new site, known as Trailside, is operated by Turning Points Collaborative Society and is located between the Okanagan Rail Trail and Highway 97. The facility includes individual rooms with basic furnishings such as a bed, dresser, desk, chair, and TV, as well as a kitchen and dining room where two meals a day will be served. Life skills programming and access to community services will also be provided, along with on-site medical staff to assist residents with self-care plans.
The transitional housing at Trailside is meant to help individuals eventually secure a more permanent living situation. Residents are expected to stay for anywhere from three months to two years. The project is a partnership between the City of Kelowna and B.C. Housing, with the goal of addressing the lack of affordable housing in the area. Despite concerns from nearby business operators about the new neighbor, Turning Points Collaborative Society believes that the facility will have a positive impact and is confident in the ability of the residents to be good neighbors. The city is also planning a third location for this type of transitional housing, although details have not been announced yet.
According to Tara Tschritter, the regional director of Turning Points Collaborative Society, many of the residents at Trailside are currently living in shelters, vehicles, or outside. The oldest resident at the new site is in his 80s, highlighting the range of ages and backgrounds of individuals experiencing homelessness in the community. Tschritter emphasizes the importance of providing transitional housing as a stepping stone for these individuals to improve their living situations and address the root causes of homelessness. The facility will also offer life skills programming, access to community services, and support from medical staff to help residents develop self-care plans.
With the completion of Trailside, 60 more individuals experiencing homelessness in Kelowna will have access to transitional housing, providing a safe and stable environment for them to work towards securing permanent housing. The operator of the site is committed to being a good neighbor and ensuring that the facility operates smoothly and effectively. The support of the City of Kelowna and B.C. Housing in this project highlights the importance of collaboration in addressing homelessness and the lack of affordable housing. Moving forward, the city plans to establish a third location for transitional housing, continuing efforts to support individuals experiencing homelessness in the community.
