~ Henry Leland House ~

ASK Wellness recently adopted the motto that “Housing is Health Care.”  Together with the Canadian Mental Health Association and the support of Interior Community Services of Kamloops, we’ve been able to create 24-hour supported housing for the hard-to-house members of our community.   For marginalized Kamloops residents, placement will ensure they have a safe and affordable place to live and subsequently provide them with an opportunity to focus on other personal challenges, having eliminated such a fundamental concern.

 

Based on the successes of supported housing projects in areas such as Victoria B.C., the above organizations received funding from Service Canada (for capital expenses) and BC Housing (for capital and operational expenses) to employ similar housing strategies in Kamloops.  After reviewing the available buildings on the market, Provincial Rental Housing Corporation purchased the property at 506 St.Paul.  The property was chosen for several reasons: availability, close proximity to services and amenities, a structurally sound condition, and an appropriate size and number of rooms. An affordable building was secured for affordable housing before it was developed by a for-profit investor, which would have resulted in housing that is not an option for those on a fixed income.

 

The rate at the Henry Leland House will be $375.00 per month (standard shelter rate for those on assistance) or 30% of net income for those not on a form of assistance. In addition to shelter and 24-hour support, this will include in-house access to service providers, personalized life-skills development, laundry facilities, and a common area with internet access.

 

In order to provide a safe clean environment for our tenants ASK Wellness has developed renovation plans for the building. The building will be getting a major face-lift in and out. The renovations are scheduled to start by July 1, 2008 and be complete by year-end with the moving-in of new residents in early 2009.