Kelowna's Good Night Inn will become affordable housing in early 2018.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/B.C. Housing
September 01, 2017 - 5:37 PM
KELOWNA - The Good Night Inn will become affordable housing in Kelowna.
Affordable housing and support for individuals who have been homeless or are at risk of homelessness will be provided by the province, according to a Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing release issued today, Sept. 1.
Good Night Inn, located at 2639 Highway 97 North, will be renovated into a 42-unit building that will support some vulnerable citizens. It will also include some capacity to add shelter spaces during extreme weather conditions.
"Our government is committed to addressing the lack of affordable housing in B.C. and we recognize the urgent need for more permanent affordable rental housing in Kelowna," says Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Selina Robinson. "We are currently working with the city to provide support to some of the most vulnerable people in the area. The Province is very supportive of this housing project because it will allow us to create a safe place for the people who need it most."
The Canadian Mental Health Association will operate the new housing unit. Support services will be provided to residents to create successful tenancies. Staff, who will be on-site 24 hours a day, will manage day-to-day operations and assist residents as needed.
"We know that when people have a roof over their head, they actually have a chance to improve their quality of life in areas of health, mental health, substance use and employment," says executive director of the Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna Shelagh Turner. "Our goal is to offer services, supports and connections that will maximize housing stability and prevent returns to homelessness. We are excited by this opportunity to add more housing and support options in our community."
The exterior of the building will be renovated to improve the look and feel, according to Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Additionally, renovations to the motel will create indoor gathering areas for residents, and provide appropriate fencing and landscaping around the property.
"We're committed to helping all residents of Kelowna, and that includes people who are having a hard time and need a helping hand," said Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran. "We have seen this same development model be very successful in Kelowna and we appreciate the Province stepping up again to create more of this kind of housing in our community."
Six million dollars is being provided by the Province and the building is expected to be ready in early 2018.
To learn more about services and supports for the homeless or those at risk of homelessness, please visit B.C. Housing.
You can also follow B.C. Housing on Twitter.
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News from © iNFOnews, 2017