Kamloops motel reopens as supportive housing with 12 fewer beds than planned
B.C. Housing has repurposed a former hotel in Kamloops as supportive housing.
Canadian Mental Health Association is operating the former Fortune Motel, which has finally opened 28 suites for new tenants, according to a provincial government media release issued today, Sept. 23.
"Converting this building to supportive housing will help ensure people experiencing homelessness have access to safe and secure housing," Attorney General and ministry responsible for housing Murray Rankin said in the release.
Now called Genesis Place, B.C. Housing bought the former motel at 654 Fortune Dr. last June for $3.6 million.
There are 40 suites with 24/7 supports for people coming out of homelessness, including mental health and addictions treatment referrals.
A flood in January damaged the smaller of its two buildings, which included 12 of the 40 suites. B.C. Housing planned to open the new facility in spring 2021 after it was already delayed last fall, but the flood was at least one reason for the delay.
The Crown agency originally planned to spend $578,100 on its first round of renovations, but it's unclear how the flood affected its budget plans.
The province announced today the larger, 28-unit, building is now open.
"Genesis Place means 28 more people in our community will have a safe and secure place to call home and access to supports to help them succeed in maintaining this housing," mayor Ken Christian said in the release. "This is one step closer to reducing homelessness in our community."
B.C. Housing plans to redevelop the smaller building, but the details haven't been decided yet.
"Genesis Place facilitates connections including fostering reunion between family members, as well as preventing the development of new mental-health challenges. We remain committed in using evidence-based strategies in our services and incorporating psychosocial rehabilitation programs," Alfred Achoba, executive director of Canadian Mental Health Association Kamloops said in the release.
It's unclear exactly when, and how many, tenants are moving into the building.
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