The province, A Way Home Kamloops and a local developer are proposing to construct new supportive housing for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness.
Located at 560-562 Tranquille Rd, the project would provide 39 self-contained units for youth from 19 to 26 years old and office space for the organization.
The building would be named Katherine’s Place after the organization's former executive director, Katherine McParland, who is known for her impact on local youth.
“Katherine McParland had a dream that we would one day provide a home to many young people in a place where they would feel supported and loved, where all of the wraparound supports they require would be available,” said Tangie Genshorek, executive director, A Way Home Kamloops.
“We are excited to be able to make that dream a reality at Katherine’s Place,” adds Genshorek.
A Way Home Kamloops would operate the building with staff on site 24/7 to provide meals, counselling, life skills training, employment and education support and access to community health services.
Youth advisers at the organization say that “Katherine was not just an incredible woman but made all those around her feel safe and heard. She saw the value in every single young person.
“Katherine's Place will continue to create the safety and love we all felt. With the creation of this space, we take a step toward ensuring no youth is left behind.”
According to the statement, the property is already zoned for this use and a permit application has been submitted to the City of Kamloops – if approved, funding will come from the Building BC: Supportive Housing Fund.
BC Housing will provide an update to the community with project costs and proposed construction timelines if it is approved.
More information on the proposed project can be found at this link.
BC’s Building BC fund is available to providers who want to create homes for young people in crisis – 564 homes are already open with 206 homes on the way.
