Kelowna organizations to get $3.9M over the next 4 years to address homelessness

The Government of Canada is providing organizations in Kelowna with more funding to address homelessness in the city.

On Thursday, the Central Okanagan Foundation said in a news release that it had been chosen to manage and distribute funds provided by the Government of Canada through the Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy.

The Foundation will distribute $1,958,107 in 2024- 2025 and another $1,958,107 in 2025-2026 to 12 local organizations to support individuals at risk or experiencing homelessness.

“Homelessness impacts every community across Canada. By investing in organizations like the Central Okanagan Foundation, our government helps support those on the ground who know firsthand the communities they live in and serve," said Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.

According to the news release, the projects that will receive funding will include increasing housing stability for seniors over 60 years of age, providing short-term housing for women and women with children and providing safe transitional housing for women seeking recovery support.

Other projects will also increase rental and utility assistance programs, provide safe and affordable housing for young people, and multiple support services.

Earlier this year, the federal government also provided the Central Okanagan Foundation additional funding, totalling $573,752, in top-up funds to 10 organizations to support “additional winter needs,” the news release says.

"We are so grateful at HOPE Outreach to receive these funds that support the unhoused population in the Kelowna area," said Naomi Woodland, Board Chair.

“Through the winter months there is limited spaces for this community to seek support, healthcare, food and mental health services. Winter Response funding will help to reimburse the extra services we provided during this challenging time of year.”

According to the release, the money supported temporarily expanding shelter spaces, time-limited rental assistance, warming spaces, expanded food services, and cold weather supply purchases for those who continued to stay in unsheltered locations.