98 fewer will have to sleep on streets

Vernon is getting provincial assistance to provide housing for homeless people.

The provincial government is allocating $11 million toward two projects in Vernon, which will be operated by the John Howard Society of the North Okanagan.

The first is a new permanent modular housing project, which will provide 53 housing units for people transitioning out of homelessness and will be located on land owned by BC Housing at 27th Avenue and 35th Street.

The units will be self-contained with personal kitchens and washrooms.

“With these new units, 98 people in Vernon will have safe, warm shelter and supports,” said Shane Simpson, minister of social development and poverty reduction, in a news release. “Getting housing support services to help people stabilize on the ground in communities is critical.”

In addition, a new permanent modular shelter with 45 beds will be built at 2307 43th St., extending the capacity of the current homeless shelter.

“We’re pleased to see the province step up to address homelessness with support to deliver these modular housing units in Vernon,” said Vernon Mayor Akbal Mund.

The government is investing $291 million to build 2,000 modular housing units for homeless people across B.C. over the next two years and more than $170 million over three years to provide round-theclock staffing and support services.

Services include meals, connecting residents to community supports, case planning, assistance accessing financial services and support with life skills and social and recreational programs.

The government has announced similar projects in Prince Rupert and Terrace. The three B.C. cities follow Vancouver in including modular housing as part of the solution to homelessness.