Dignatories and supporters turn some sod to mark the start to the JoeAnna's House expansion/ JoeAnna's House

By Vernon Matters Staff

place to stay

JoeAnna’s House ‘home away from home’ to get bigger

Sep 10, 2025 | 5:09 PM

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Wednesday to officially launch the expansion of JoeAnna’s House in Kelowna.

It’s a vital home away from home for families traveling to Kelowna while loved ones receive medical care at the nearby Kelowna General Hospital (KGH).

The original 20-room home has demand that far exceeds capacity, and a 50 per cent expansion, once complete, will add 10 new family rooms for a total of 30.

In a media release, Darlene Haslock, Director of JoeAnna’s House, said more than 1,300 families have been turned away simply because they did not have the space for them.

“When a loved one is in the hospital, every family deserves a place of comfort, a place of rest and a place of compassion. And so, 18 months ago, we began the careful work that led us to where we are today – ready for the groundbreaking for the expansion of JoeAnna’s House. This means that more families will have a soft place to land when they need it the most,” she said.

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One in four patients at KGH are from outside the Central Okanagan, so the facility is a vital community accommodation asset.

To learn more about the expansion or to make a gift, visit www.joeannashouse.com/expansion.