New supportive housing for the homeless is set to open this week in Kelowna, just in time for the colder months.
Hearthstone, at 1642 Commerce Avenue, is operated by the John Howard Society and will be in operation for up to four years.
The facility features 46 suites, each with a bed, kitchen, and bathroom. Tenants will also have access to meal plans, life and employment skills training, and health services.
"We are thrilled to add Hearthstone to our continuum of housing," says Gaelene Askeland, executive director of the John Howard Society of Central and South Okanagan. "This new modular building will provide a safe, caring, stable environment for vulnerable women and men who have been living without homes in Kelowna."
The $8 million facility was funded by the provincial government as part of their Building BC Rapid Response to Homelessness program.
Through that same program, the province is investing $291 million towards building modular housing for those who are homeless, or who are at risk of becoming homeless.
They are also investing an additional $170 million over three years to provide these facilities with staffing and support services.
BC housing will be seeking public feedback at the site of a second modular housing project in Kelowna.
An open house for this project will take place on November 8th at 2025 Agassiz Road.