Genesis Place is set to open its doors to the first group of residents in the 28-unit supportive housing facility tomorrow (Wednesday).
Alfred Achoba, the Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Kamloops Branch says once the first group of clients are settled in, the second group of residents will move in the following week.
“The clients will sign a program agreement, there are rent costs involved, where they pay rent. Clients are allowed to bring pets, there will be a pet deposit needed and they need to be willing to work on a wellness plan, and a plan to move something more permanent.”
Achoba explains that on-site Wellness Support Staff, team leads, and case managers will assist Genesis Place residents with some of their goals.
Achoba explains it is mandatory for people living in the facility to attend onsite programming, which includes around-the-clock support services, including daily meals, life-skills training, and rehab programming.
“There will be a variety of programs that will happen during the day from budgeting, a wellness wheel, we have elders on site, a cooking class that will happen here, we have gardening. These are all part of the conditions or requirements of being at Genesis Place.”
He says one of the benefits of this facility, is the Indigenous supports.
“We will have cultural activities, we have land-based training, and we have an elder on site who would be able to connect with that client.”
Additionally, Achoba adds clients will have to sign a “Good Neighbour Agreement.”
“It’s a standard across all our programs and an expectation that the individuals in this program will be respectful to the neighbourhoods and respectful to the agreement sign up.”
The goal of Genesis Place is to help reduce homelessness in the community.
“Genesis place offers a new beginning, and a place of healing for individuals wanting to participate in the program but also wanting to be part of the community,” added Achoba.
Achoba says they will continue to push for more support from Kamloops Council and the B.C. Government to ensure this program thrives.
“We have seen the power around that with Moirah house, which has been open for about 6 months now. We have had about 50 clients move into housing. Once we get them the right supports and we come in with a lens that there is never enough we can see people feel welcome and encourage them to progress on that side.”
The opening of the facility comes more than a year after the Province bought the property at 654 Fortune Drive – now named Genesis Place – for $3.6 million.
