A community gathering in West Kelowna on Tuesday (Oct. 2) focused on the complex issue of homelessness.
Residents were invited to a BBQ at Memorial Park to hear from service providers about the supports available to homeless individuals and those potentially facing homelessness. The event was hosted by United Way BC, Turning Points Collaborative Society (TPCS) and the City of West Kelowna.
香蕉视频直播淲e want to let the community know we香蕉视频直播檙e here to answer any questions they may have,香蕉视频直播� said Candice Berry, regional manager for Shelter Diversion at Turning Points.
She noted that the rising cost of food, housing and general inflation is making it more difficult for many people to make ends meet.
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In the first quarter of 2024, Berry said 111 people came through their doors from West Kelowna and Kelowna. Nearly 80 individuals returned for additional support, with 17 placed in housing and five families were able to keep their housing.
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Brittany Yadernuck is the site manager for Turning Points Bartley Shelter in West Kelowna. She said the event, which included a panel discussion with service providers, was also an opportunity to collaborate and build trust with the community. Residents were able to provide input and suggestions.
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Yadernuck said concerns previously voiced by residents when a hygiene centre was proposed for the community included harm reduction supplies and how they香蕉视频直播檙e disposed of, crime and vandalism and whether offering additional services might attract more unhoused individuals to West Kelowna.
The pilot hygiene project was planned for a property at 2545 Churchill Road, however, there were concerns from city council and the public that it would be located a few hundred metres from two schools, and Julia香蕉视频直播檚 Junction playground.
A July 2024 staff report to council stated that 香蕉视频直播渒ey partnering organizations have indicated they are no longer interested in pursuing the proposed hygiene centre in the proposed location.香蕉视频直播�
香蕉视频直播淭here were concerns brought forward that we realized needed to be addressed with the community,香蕉视频直播� Yadernuck noted. 香蕉视频直播淲e thought what a better way than to have an event香蕉视频直播t香蕉视频直播檚 informal香蕉视频直播nd we can address those main concerns, collaborate and build trust and cohesiveness.香蕉视频直播�
The gathering also included representatives from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Kelowna, the city, bylaw services and other local service providers.
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