A housing project, to be built on Henry Avenue in Summerland, will help to alleviate the need for affordable housing in the community.
The project, by Turning Points Collaborative Society, is a five-storey, 60-unit affordable housing development, to be built at 13204 and 13214 Henry Ave. One of these lots is the site of Summerland United Church and the Summerland Food Bank and Resource Centre. The other is a vacant lot.
The need for housing in Summerland has been identified.
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A critical shortage of affordable housing was identified in the community’s 2021 housing needs assessment. At that time, more than 400 households spent more than 30 per cent of their income on shelter costs.
“This downtown area is a perfect location for affordable housing, with access to services, shopping, schools, and transportation,” said Kelly Fehr, executive director of operations for Turning Points.
“This increase in urban living increases commerce exchange, supports local businesses, and provides a 24-hour presence.”
The new building will also house the Summerland Food Bank and Resource Centre on the ground floor.
At present, the food bank is in need of upgraded facilities. The new space will have a loading dock, warehouse, multiple coolers and a freezer, space for social service counselling, computer work stations, kitchen, dining area, laundry, washroom and shower facilities.
Turning Points Collaborative Society is a non-profit society providing a range of services including outreach, shelter services, various housing options, addiction recovery and employment services. The society has affordable housing properties at 15 sites from Enderby to West Kelowna.
“With the current housing crisis and inflationary pressures, folks in the Okanagan need affordable housing more than ever,” Fehr said. “We are excited to bring this project to Summerland.”
An open house on this development was held on May 8.
