Individuals transitioning out of temporary shelters in Vernon now have access to 39 units of affordable rental housing at the newly-opened Blair Apartments.

Recently renovated and converted from the former Journey Inn Motel to a rental property, the Blair Apartments provide a safe and secure place to stay for low-income people that require stable housing.

The development offers immediate relief to shelters in the area, especially during extreme winter conditions when there is the greatest need for shelter beds.

Located at 3000 28th Ave. in Vernon, the building is in walking distance of many services and amenities in the downtown area.

The building is operated by John Howard Society of the North Okanagan/Kootenay Region, which also oversees Howard House and Bill’s Place in Vernon.

Board members of the society have named the property after their colleague Blair Peden, a retired probation officer in Vernon who has held many roles, including president, over the last 40 years. He continues to support the society as a representative of the provincial board of directors.

Quotes:

Eric Foster, MLA for Vernon-Monashee –

“The Province has quickly responded to Vernon’s need for more affordable housing options. The Blair Apartments allows individuals staying in temporary shelters to transition more quickly to long-term housing, allowing our local shelters to assist people with acute need.”

Akbal Mund, mayor, City of Vernon –

“The Blair Apartment is an example of what can be achieved when local government and non-profits work together to solve an issue that impacts us all.”

Barbara Levesque, executive director, John Howard Society of the North Okanagan/Kootenay Region –

“We’re proud to rename our property after a longstanding board member of John Howard Society of the North Okanagan/Kootenay Region. Blair Peden, a representative of the provincial board of directors for the society, has volunteered his services since the mid-70s. In this time, he has always been, and continues to be, a strong advocate for our organization, even in the worst of times. We think he’s quite a remarkable man and is deserving of this special honour.”

Quick Facts:

• Last year, the Province invested close to $8.4 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for more than 1,800 households in Vernon. This includes providing support for 1,175 senior households and over 350 family households.
• The B.C. government provided more than $2.7 million last year to support 150 housing units for the homeless or those at risk of homelessness in Vernon.
• Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $4.9 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families.
• More than 104,000 B.C. households benefit from provincial housing programs and services.

Learn More:

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

Follow BC Housing on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BC_Housing

John Howard Society of the North Okanagan/Kootenay Region: http://www.johnhowardbc.ca/regions/north-okanagan/welcome/