A new building will provide supportive housing for those who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Penticton, including programs to help with addiction recovery.
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February 09, 2024 - 2:30 PM
A new building will provide supportive housing for those who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Penticton, including programs to help with addiction recovery.
There are 54 new homes with 24/7 recovery support and an emphasis on the cultural support needs of Indigenous people, according to a BC Housing press release issued today, Feb. 9.
The four-storey building is located at 3240 Skaha Lake Road and is dubbed the Healing House or snpa?x?t?ntn (sin-pow_h-tan-tn) which means “a healing place” in Nsyilxc?n, the language spoken by the syilx peoples.
This project is a joint effort from BC Housing, ASK Wellness Society, Ooknakane Friendship Centre and the Penticton Indian Band.
“On behalf of our band council and the Penticton band community, we congratulate ASK Wellness Society on this amazing achievement,” Penticton Indian Band Chief Greg Gabriel said in the release.
“I would also like to recognize and acknowledge the wonderful partners who were also instrumental in what we are witnessing today. This amazing and much-needed supportive housing facility wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and co-operation of all those involved.”
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ASK Wellness Society and the Ooknakane Friendship Centre are operating the building’s addiction supports, with staff on site 24/7 to provide meal programs, life and employment skills training, alcohol and drug counselling, and culturally driven health and wellness support services.
“We are honoured to partner with OFC to create a culturally safe and recovery-focused supportive housing program, which is one of the first of its kind in the province,” Bob Hughes with ASK Wellness said in the release. “By creating a mosaic of supportive and affordable housing in Penticton, we further complement the existing housing programs and broaden the options for people who are living without homes.”
There are two one-bedroom units for couples going through recovery together, three units that are fully accessible, and the rest are studio apartments.
Residents began moving into the building in August and 36 units are currently occupied. Indigenous people experiencing or at risk of homelessness are being prioritized for the vacant units.
BC Housing invested $15.9 million in constructing the building and is providing $1.8 million annually for the operation of the building and its supports.
Local Indigenous artists were commissioned by the Ooknakane Friendship Centre to create artwork throughout the building to incorporate sylix culture in the building itself.
"This work is very important in serving the housing needs of those in recovery,” Union of BC Indian Chiefs Grand Chief Stewart Phillip said in the release.
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