Women and children fleeing violence in West Kelowna can now access new safe places.
A partnership between BC Housing and the Kelowna Women’s Shelter is providing 55 spaces in a new four-storey building.
“No matter where people live in B.C., they should have a safe place to go when they need it,” said Ravi Kahlon, minister of housing.
“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 building has 23 transition house beds and 32 second-stage spaces.
They are available to women and gender-diverse people leaving violence, including transgender women, Two-Spirit, non-binary people, and their children.
Kelowna Women’s Shelter (KWS) operates the building with offices on site.
“Providing safe housing for those fleeing domestic abuse is critical,” said Michelle Dickie, interim executive director, KWS.
“It is important to continue to invest in supports for women to be able to take steps for safety and independence.”
Transition houses are staffed around the clock and provide safe, short-term shelter and supports, typically for as long as 30 days.
Second-stage housing provides safe short-term housing and supports for women after they leave an abusive relationship or situation.
Women typically move into second-stage housing after a stay in a transition house and can stay in the units while they prepare for independent living.
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