June 17, 2010
$3.6-Million Housing for Homeless Opens in Penticton

PENTICTON - The newly-renovated Skaha Sunrise Apartments officially opened today, providing 45 suites with integrated support services for individuals at risk of homelessness, announced Bill Barisoff, MLA for Penticton.

"We are committed to investments like Skaha Sunrise Apartments to provide people with access to safe, supportive housing so they can overcome personal challenges and build a better life," said Barisoff. "Offering safe housing and support services under one roof moves us one step closer to breaking the cycle of homelessness in B.C."

The Province provided a $3-million grant to purchase the building, located at 2872 Skaha Lake Rd. in Penticton (formerly the Hansel and Gretel Motel), as well as $600,000 for renovations and upgrades. In addition, the Province is providing $179,000 in annual operational funding.

"Projects like this which provide stable homes for those in need are fundamental in helping people move beyond homelessness to greater self-reliance and independence," said Mayor Dan Ashton, City of Penticton. "I know the housing and support services at Skaha Sunrise Apartments will help many people in our community."

The Penticton and District Society for Community Living was selected to manage and operate Skaha Sunrise Apartments, including the 45 suites. Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) - South Okanagan Similkameen Branch provides on-site support services including a community kitchen program funded by the Province and Interior Health Authority.

"Our mission is to promote healthy lifestyles and provide much-needed health services in a timely, caring and efficient manner," said Rob Kushner, director South Okanagan Mental Health and Addictions Services, Interior Health. "We are meeting our mission by partnering with local organizations including CMHA to provide much-needed services to our clients."

"We have been providing support services to the Penticton area for over 50 years," said Tony Laing, executive director of Penticton and District Society for Community Living. "This partnership with the Province and the CMAH - South Okanagan Similkameen Branch will further help members of our community facing a range of challenges by providing access to secure and affordable housing."

"Partnerships with the Province and community organizations have brought this much-needed housing development to reality," said Terrie Crawford, executive director for CMHA - South Okanagan Similkameen Branch. "The combination of support services and affordable housing will give residents a higher chance of success in stabilizing their life."

In 2010-11, the Province will invest over $562 million to provide affordable housing and fight homelessness - more than four times as much as in 2001.

'Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness' is a website providing a comprehensive and detailed look at provincial programs and services to address homelessness. Visit www.bchousing.org/breakingthecycle for more information.

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