The federal government recognizes that it must continue working with its partners to support them in delivering community services for people facing or at risk of experiencing homelessness.
Announced by the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Member of Parliament for Kelowna and Secretary of State (Defence Procurement), two streams under Reaching Home: Canada's Homelessness Strategy in Kelowna have received funding top-ups to their existing agreements to maintain overall funding levels through 2027-28.
The Community Entity for the Designated Communities Stream in Kelowna, the Central Okanagan Foundation, has received a top-up of $3.9 million to support projects in the region that aim to prevent and reduce homelessness across Canada. One of those projects is delivered by the Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna (CMHA Kelowna). A multi-service organization that assists people with developing skills and resilience, the CMHA Kelowna helps individuals understand and nurture their mental health and wellness when they are at risk or experiencing homelessness.
Additionally, the Community Entity for the Indigenous Homelessness Stream in Kelowna, the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society (KFS), has received a top-up of $2 million. KFS honours Indigenous culture, knowledge, and values by providing holistic programs and services to infants, children, youth, adults, and Elders that support healing, empowerment, and strong, sustainable foundations. The Central Okanagan Food Bank, a key regional food security organization in the Interior of BC utilizes Reaching Home funding to support Indigenous individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness to improve their economic stability and maintain a standard of health and well-being.
Addressing homelessness is a shared responsibility-governments at all levels, Indigenous partners, and the private sector must work together to ensure everyone has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.
