John Howard Society
Court decision underscores need for more treatment beds in Vernon
VERNON – With addiction at the root of so many crimes, it’s no surprise the…
Vernon has done ‘pretty much all we can’ about latest homeless camp
VERNON – Local agencies and the city have reached out to those camping in a…
Survey finds almost 150 people homeless in Vernon
VERNON – Almost 150 people in Vernon consider themselves homeless, according to recent survey, and…
“It hurt my heart”: Armstrong woman helps homeless senior off the street
VERNON – It was a cold December day when Armstrong woman Brandi Mahood noticed an…
Support for those facing addictions, mental health issues expands in Vernon
VERNON – Individuals struggling with mental health and substance use issues in the North Okanagan…
Vernon homeless survey finds more people sleeping outside due to housing, wage issues
VERNON – An in-depth homeless survey found 33 people sleeping outside in Vernon this week.…
‘It’s like a rebirth’: First tenants move in to new low-income housing in Vernon
VERNON – A lot of changes are taking place at an old motel downtown Vernon.…
Census shows spike in number of homeless in Vernon
VERNON – Young adults, couples, seniors and the working poor are among those sleeping outdoors…
Vernon’s Gateway Shelter the ‘last resort’ for many of the city’s most marginalized
VERNON – The Gateway Shelter in Vernon is much more than a place to get…
City of Kelowna take lead on homelessness file
KELOWNA - One of the front-line agencies dealing with the homeless in Kelowna is thrilled to see the city step up and provide leadership with plans to hire a full-time homeless coordinator. Local John Howard Society executive director Gaelene Askeland also says the city is on the right track embracing the low-barrier housing first philosophy...
Socks, pyjamas, and perfume among items on Christmas wish list for Vernon’s homeless
VERNON - Vernon is once again helping to make Christmas wishes come true for the city’s less fortunate. The Christmas Wish List is a collection of personal stories and wish lists from Vernon’s homeless and shelter clients. Participants are interviewed about themselves, and the gifts that would make their Christmases brighter. The responses are then...
Kelowna property tax exemption denial a hit for local non-profit
KELOWNA - City hall handed out more than $1.5 million in property tax exemptions this week to churches, private schools and other non-profit organizations, but one organization did not get approved for exemption status. Most of the organizations receiving the exemptions are already on the books with the city, so after a review by city...
Vernon homeless camp growing after motel evictions
VERNON - A Vernon homeless camp has grown in the days following an eviction order at the Green Valley Motel, according to shelter workers. Tenants had to be out of the motel by Sept. 1, and while a small number sought lodging at the Gateway Shelter, it appears others have turned to the street, John...
Vernon motel to become low-income housing complex
VERNON - The hunt for an affordable place to call home in Vernon just got a bit easier. The Journey Inn, the former Travelodge located behind the Fruit Union Plaza in downtown Vernon, was recently bought by B.C. Housing and will be operated as a low-income housing complex for people at risk of homelessness, the...
More evictions expected, more affordable housing likely lost in Vernon
NOWHERE TO GO VERNON - Not long after eviction notices were served to tenants of the Green Valley Motel, residents of another low-cost apartment building in Vernon are counting what they believe could be their final days. The Belair Apartments on 32 Street, just down the road from Boston Pizza, recently sold, and that’s left...