Rapid safety net housing in Kelowna

Understanding rapid safety net housing

Rapid safety net housing is a new form of quick build, short term housing that provides intensive supports and skill building for people transitioning out of homelessness. While there, people receive daily meals, health and mental health support, life skills training, and employment assistance. A short-term stay at a rapid safety net housing site allows people to stabilize before moving on to permanent housing options. These sites serve as a bridge between shelters and permanent housing and free up space in shelters for those living unsheltered.

In less than a year, the City of Kelowna and the Province have developed two, operational rapid safety net housing sites, and a third site is on the way. These sites fulfill a joint commitment with the Province to deliver up to 180-units of rapid safety net housing.

Already, hundreds of unique resident goals have been accomplished including securing full-time employment, accessing mental health and substance use services, and transitioning into market or supportive housing.

The City’s role in addressing homelessness

Homelessness is a complex social issue, and it takes all parties working together to address it. The City works in collaboration with senior levels of government, social serving organizations, people with lived experience and other interested parties like business associations. 

While the Provincial government plays the lead role in addressing homelessness, the City can make a meaningful impact through strategic land management and community planning, to ensure the right housing is built to meet the need of our community as well as advocacy, community education and collaboration in order to provide pathways out of homelessness and support those at risk.

Addressing homelessness is a Council Priority and a top investment priority for residents according to the City’s 2024 Citizen’s Survey.  These 180 units of rapid safety net housing are an example of some of the meaningful actions that have been taken to tackle this growing challenge.  

Being good neighbours

Rapid safety net housing sites operators share the City’s commitment to engage with neighbours, develop trust and foster open communication.

Residents of rapid safety net housing are more likely to thrive when their neighbours are well informed and willing to come together as a community in meaningful ways.

The first two sites are integrating well into their neighbourhoods and we’re hearing good reports from our community safety and bylaw teams.

Resources for those experiencing homelessness 

If you or someone you know are experiencing homelessness there are resources available to support you. Learn more: kelowna.ca/homelessness

City programs to address homelessness

Not including privately operated facilities, there are currently 37 locations of housing with supports, shelters and rapid safety net housing in our City, totaling over 1300 units.   

These homes are distributed throughout the downtown, the North End, South Pandosy, Midtown, the Mission and Rutland.  

Learn more about the City’s homelessness strategy: kelowna.ca/HomelessnessStrategy