Low cost housing plan in the works for Kelowna

An affordable-housing complex for older teens and young adults is being planned by the Okanagan Boys and Girls Club in Kelowna.

The multi-storey building might contain as many as 40 suites for young people hoping to put their troubled past behind them and learn to live independently.

"A project like this would be one of the best things the club could do to help young people," Boys and Girls Club vice-president Ed Egli said Sunday.

Plans for the project are still being developed, but the idea has the support-in-principle from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, as well as various municipal officials.

"We don't have any land yet, and we're a long ways from breaking ground," Mr. Egli said. "But we think it's important to provide young people with safe and secure accommodation."

The club already provides some residential services for young adults and teens. For a number of years, it has owned a Kelowna home where several young people can stay at a time. A club employee is always at the home.

"They've helped me out and watched over me," said Sarah Freedman, 17, who has lived in the home for the past six months.

She has a job at a restaurant, but doesn't make a lot of extra cash.

"I do not have a lot of money for food, only $200 a month to spend on food and other necessities," said Ms. Freedman, who was the recipient of a Christmas hamper.

The downtown residence is also home to Meghan Dalton, 18. She has recently come off income assistance, and is also working part-time while going to school in a trades program.

Ms. Dalton said she lives off sandwiches, and extra food that came in a Christmas hamper freed up some of her money to buy other items through the season.

The Be An Angel fund has raised more than $95,000 so far this year for the Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs, well in excess of the $75,000 goal. Donations are still being accepted.

(Source: Globe & Mail)