Transition housing for women, children fleeing violence opens in West Kelowna

Safe and transition housing for women and children fleeing violence are now available in West Kelowna.

BC Housing and Kelowna Women’s Shelter have teamed up to open 55 spaces for women and children who are survivors of abuse, according to a Ministry of Housing media release issued today, Nov. 15.

“No matter where people live in BC, they should have a safe place to go when they need it,” Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing, said in the release. “These 55 new spaces will be instrumental in providing women and their children leaving violent situations with the safe housing options they need, with supports that will help them on the path to recovery.”

The new four-storey building includes 23 transition-house beds spread through 10 rooms. Every room is composed of up to four beds and a private bathroom. A lounge area, a dining area, a shared kitchen, storage and spaces for support programming will all be available on the ground floor.

The building also features 32 second-stage homes. These, as well as the transition spaces, are available to women and gender-diverse individuals fleeing violence. This includes transgender women, Two-Spirit, non-binary people and their children. These units all have up to four bedrooms, a small kitchen, storage and a private bathroom.

Kelowna Women’s Shelter operates the building and has offices on site.

“Providing safe housing for those fleeing domestic abuse is critical,” Michelle Dickie, interim executive director, of Kelowna Women’s Shelter, said in the release. “We are relieved to be able to provide a much-needed second-stage program that includes safe housing for those looking to rebuild after abuse. It is important to continue to invest in support for women to be able to take steps for safety and independence.”

The transition houses provide shelter, and support on a short-term basis, typically up to 30 days. The second-stage housing provides the same resources for women leaving an abusive situation. Usually, women move from a transition house into a second-stage house in which they can stay as they prepare for independent living.

BC Housing provided $16.2 million through the Building BC: Women’s Transition Housing Fund and will continue pouring $1.9 million annually into the organization’s operating funding.

“We know how important it is for women to find comfort and support in their living arrangements after leaving intimate-partner violence,” Kelli Paddon, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity, said in the release. “Having distance and security is the first step when people are rebuilding their life and we will continue to lift up women in our province by supporting safe spaces like these transition-housing initiatives.”

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