The Crossings supportive housing project will be located next to My Place at 3500 27th Avenue. (File photo/Vernon Matters)

By Liam Verster

The Crossings

Construction begins for supportive housing project in Vernon

Aug 5, 2021 | 10:51 AM

Vernon will soon have a new supportive housing project designed to help people experiencing, or are at risk of, homelessness in the community.

The 52-unit building located at 3500 27th St. will be operated by Turning Points Collaborative Society, an experienced non-profit group that runs other temporary permanent supportive homes and shelters in Vernon and the Okanagan, including My Place.

“We are grateful to be a part of this incredible project,” said Randene Wejr, Executive Director of Turning Points Collaborative Society.

“We knew when the original announcement was made last summer for this additional supportive housing project that the need for housing was high. But now, at the tail end of the COVID-19 pandemic and in the midst of a housing and opioid crisis, the need has grown exponentially,” Wejr added.

Wejr said their partnership with BC Housing and the City of Vernon is something they are incredibly proud of.

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“We believe that our collective vision to care for our most vulnerable citizens is making a tremendous difference in the city of Vernon and is what makes our community strong.”

The building, which will be called The Crossings, will have staff on-site 24 hours a day to provide supports, such as daily meals, skills training and access to work placement, as well as health, mental health and addictions services.

Each unit will include private washrooms and kitchens. There will be three one-bedroom units for couples and eight accessible or adaptable units. The Crossings will also house a commercial kitchen, dinning room, laundry and storage space.

“Since the opening of My Place, we have heard many stories from residents about the positive impact supportive housing has had on their lives,” said Victor Cumming, Mayor of Vernon.

“Safe, accessible and secure housing is a critical piece of the puzzle when addressing community needs. Therefore, the city is grateful for the ongoing, collaborative partnerships we have with organizations such as Turning Points Collaborative Society and BC Housing to identify and develop suitable affordable and sustainable housing solutions for Vernon,” Cumming stated.

The province is providing approximately $14.6 million for the project through the Building B.C.: Supportive Housing Fund, and about $1.2 million will also be provided in annual operating funding.

“Housing is a basic need of everyone and I am pleased with the work of the province in Vernon-Monashee to address local housing needs. These additional units will have a significant impact on the lives of people that will call this place home for years to come,” said Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Monashee.

“We are grateful to be working with community partners in Vernon to provide stable homes with supports for people experiencing homelessness.”

The building is expected to be open and housing residents in the spring of 2022.