The City of Kamloops has announced over $2.2 million in new funding through the Government of Canada’s Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy, supporting local organizations in their fight against homelessness from 2025 to 2028. Among the recipients, the Canadian Mental Health Association Kamloops Branch is receiving significant support to sustain and expand its Envision Connect Outreach program—one of the city’s most vital tools in reaching and assisting unsheltered individuals.

First launched in 2021, Envision Connect Outreach was designed as a mobile, triage-focused service bridging the gap between people on the streets and access to shelter and essential care. The program emerged from a simple day-space concept and evolved into a flexible shuttle-based initiative offering mobile outreach, transportation, and connection to services.

“We started with a small vision and it’s grown into something that’s become essential,” said Alfred Achoba, Executive Director of CMHA Kamloops. “Envision is often the first point of contact between someone sleeping rough and the support systems that can help stabilize their life.”

Thanks to the renewed Reaching Home funding, Envision will be able to restore extended operating hours that were previously cut due to budget constraints. At its peak, the shuttle operated up to 16 hours a day but had to reduce services in 2024, resulting in a noticeable decline in outreach effectiveness.

“On a typical night, we can triage 30 to 40 people into shelter,” Achoba explained. “When we had to scale back hours, we saw fewer people accessing shelter, more people going without food, and more overdoses. This funding puts us back on track and allows us to respond with the urgency this crisis demands.”

A Model for Other Communities

Envision’s impact has extended beyond Kamloops. The program is now being showcased at housing conferences and has attracted attention from other cities looking to replicate its community-based, mobile outreach model.

“We’ve become a model for others. Envision acts like a central hub—working in close partnership with shelters and service providers across the city. We even have staff reaching people in areas like Knutsford—places you wouldn’t normally expect to find outreach workers,” said Achoba.

With the closure of several local day spaces, Envision is now the only program filling that gap in Kamloops. The team not only provides transportation to shelter but also delivers food, water, warm gear in winter, and cooling supplies during heat waves—all while practicing a culturally safe, trauma-informed approach.

“This isn’t just about logistics—it’s about dignity, safety, and meeting people where they are,” Achoba added. “Whether it’s 2 a.m. during a cold snap or 40°C in the summer, our team is out there.”

Measuring Success Beyond Numbers

While Achoba acknowledges that the true impact of programs like Envision isn’t always easily captured in statistics, CMHA Kamloops is committed to transparency. The organization shares monthly data on triage numbers, outreach activity, and service outcomes.

“We know we’re making an impact. Shelter beds are filling up because of us. Service calls are dropping. We’re generating the data that informs decisions around housing needs in our city,” Achoba said. “But beyond data—it’s about the people. We know every night there are still 30 to 40 individuals in Kamloops with nowhere to go. That’s the gap Envision is trying to close.”

Other Key Recipients:

• ASK Wellness Society, receiving support for two programs focused on recovery navigation and housing supports for seniors with complex needs. CEO Bob Hughes highlighted the flexible funding’s role in stabilizing recovery services and expanding affordable housing access for seniors.

• A Way Home Kamloops, awarded funds for its Youth Housing First program, which provides scattered-site housing and comprehensive supports to youth aged 16–27, helping them develop life skills and transition to independence.

• Blue House Recovery Society, funded to continue outreach and support services at Blue House and Willow House, fostering independence and stability in recovery. Executive Director Sean Marshall called the funding transformative for the nonprofit.

• Connective Support Society Kamloops, which will continue operating Light House Transitional Housing, bridging shelter and supportive housing.

• Elizabeth Fry Society, funded for three programs including Rent Bank loans to prevent homelessness, long-term housing for women and children, and housing support for low-income women.

• The Mustard Seed, receiving funding for its Street Advocacy and Diversion programs, which provide basic needs, service connections, and rapid housing supports for people experiencing homelessness. Health and Wellness Manager Sarah Sharp praised the funding’s role in empowering individuals toward stability.

Since 2019:

Kamloops has distributed over $7 million in Reaching Home funds through its role as the Designated Community entity.

“As the facilitator of Reaching Home, the City of Kamloops is honoured to support these essential services,” said Natasha Hartson, the City’s Social, Housing, and Community Development Manager. “Together, we’re working toward a future where no one is left without help or hope.”