40 new shelter beds to open for homeless in Vernon

B.C. Housing is partnering with the City of Vernon to open 40 new short-term shelter beds in November as part of a new project called Compass.

The housing facility will be located on 33rdStreetnext to the Gateway shelter, which has been operating over capacity all year, according to a statement from the provincial government.

Gateway's operator, Turning Points Collaborative, will be responsible for managing the new project and providing round-the-clock support to its residents.

Last October, 153 people in the municipality self-identified as homeless.

In September 2018, Vernon's city councilvoted in favour of a staff recommendation to not proceed with a bylaw banningshopping cartson public property in the city.

People staying at Compass will have access to employment assistance, life-skills training and other support groups onsite to help residents find more stable housing.

Interim housinguntil spring 2019

The project is meant to operate until next spring when the province is set to open a 52-unit supportive housing project on 27th Avenueand 35thStreet.

An additional 46 shelter beds on 43rd Streetare expected to be ready in December.