Photo via BC Housing
A much anticipated supportive housing project has officially opened on the Kamloops north shore.
On the final day of February, Katherine’s Place officially became fully operational and is now prepared to help youth at risk of homelessness.
The building includes 39 units for people between 19 and 27 years old. It is is located at 560 Tranquille Rd. and is named after the late Kathrine McParland, the founder and former Executive Director of A Way Home Kamloops.
“A Way Home Kamloops is excited to see the vision of their founder Katherine McParland come to life,” said Tangie Genshorek, the current executive director. “The project is the product of multiple partnerships and community collaboration. A Way Home Kamloops works to put youth first, to honour their stories, and to meet them where they are, with what they need.”
Youth and young adults experiencing homelessness in Kamloops now have access to 39 new homes with supports through the opening of Katherine’s Place.
“Many young people are facing uncertain times. We want to help with housing options, a main objective in our Belonging in BC plan,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “By connecting young adults with the housing and supports they need, we’re getting them on a path to stability. Through the life-skills training and supports offered at Katherine’s Place, youth will develop a better foundation to live full, healthy lives.”
Katherine’s Place will provide supports including daily meals, life-skills training, peer guidance, mental-health resources, and employment and education supports. Three staff members will be on site 24/7 to ensure residents are supported and there will be additional security measures taken including camera monitoring.
The building is named after the late Katherine McParland, founder and former executive director of A Way Home Kamloops. This project aims to honour and acknowledge the impact she had on local youth, while continuing her legacy by providing services to young people who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
“Katherine was not just an incredible woman, but she made all those around her feel safe and heard. She saw value in every single young person,” said Kira Cheeseborough, youth adviser at A Way Home Kamloops. “Katherine’s Place will continue to create the safety and love we felt. With this space, we take a step toward ensuring no youth is left behind.”
Katherine’s Place includes a combination of 20 regular, five larger, six adaptable and two fully accessible bachelor suites, and six one-bedroom suites.
