The B.C. government has provided $60,000 to complete renovations at an eight-bed supportive-housing building for homeless men in Kelowna.

Chandler Street House, operated by the Inn from the Cold-Kelowna society, required extensive renovations to make the aging building operational. Renovations were undertaken by the society as funds, in-kind donations and volunteers became available from the community, various organizations and local businesses. However, the society was unable to raise enough funds.

Last month, funding from the Province helped Inn from the Cold-Kelowna complete the necessary renovations and the society has now reached full occupancy at Chandler Street House.

Chandler Street House provides homeless men with long-term housing and 24/7 staff support. Support programs include life skills development (cooking, cleaning, conflict resolution, budgeting, communication), and access to volunteer mentors, community support and specialized professional support through on-site visits from partnering agencies.

Quotes:

Premier Christy Clark, MLA for Westside-Kelowna -

“The dedicated people at Inn from the Cold-Kelowna do an amazing job helping people with compassion and respect. These renovations will help them make a positive difference in people’s lives.”

Steve Thomson, MLA for Kelowna-Mission, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations -

“Our government values the commitment of our community partners working to make a difference in the lives of those in greatest need. Our investment towards the completion of the Chandler Street House renovations ensures the creation of more supportive housing for men most at-risk in our community. The Chandler Street Housing Program will provide those who come through its doors with not just housing, but also the 24/7 stability and support they need to help rebuild their lives.”

Norm Letnick, MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country, Minister of Agriculture -

“This housing facility doesn’t just offer eight beds - it offers life skills, compassion and hope. I’m pleased to see the community come together to support those who benefit greatly from the services it offers.”

Tara Tschritter, Agency Coordinator, Inn from the Cold-Kelowna -

“When people in need are given the stability of a home and are treated with dignity, it’s amazing to see how they respond and start to give back. The Chandler Street Housing Program is our way of creating this opportunity for chronically homeless men in our community. We are thankful for the support of the B.C. government as well as our strong base of volunteers and community partners who have all come together to help make our dream become a reality.”

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $4 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families. This year, nearly 100,000 B.C. households will benefit from provincial social housing programs and services.
• Last year, the B.C. government invested over $10.6 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for 3,000 households in Kelowna.
• Inn from the Cold-Kelowna responds to the needs of people who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness in a welcoming, compassionate and mutually respectful manner. What started as a volunteer-run, 35-bed winter emergency shelter 15 years ago, the Society has developed into a registered charity providing various support programs to people in the community of Kelowna.

Learn More:

For more information on provincial affordable housing programs and efforts to end homelessness in B.C., please visit: www.housingmattersbc.ca/factsheets.html and www.bchousing.org

Find out more about the Province’s housing investments in the Interior: www.housingmattersbc.ca/docs/fs_Interior_Region.pdf

For more information on Inn from the Cold-Kelowna and the Chandler Street Housing Program, visit: www.innfromthecoldkelowna.org

Media Contacts:

Elaine McKay
BC Housing
778 452-6476