Construction is officially underway on the second phase of Genesis Place, a landmark supportive housing project aimed at providing safe, stable, and culturally grounded homes for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Kamloops.
Located at 654 Fortune Drive, Genesis 2.0 will add a new four-storey building with 48 studio suites, bringing the total number of supportive homes on the site to 76. The project is a partnership between the Canadian Mental Health Association Kamloops Branch, BC Housing, and local stakeholders, funded through the Province’s Supportive Housing Fund.
Building on a Proven Model
Alfred Achoba, Executive Director of CMHA Kamloops, emphasized that Genesis 2.0 builds on the success of the original Genesis Place, which was born out of a unique opportunity after the loss of a previous building at the same location.
“We had the chance to scale up because of the success of Genesis 1,” Achoba explained in a recent interview. “Through partnerships and collaboration, we have created more intentional housing in Kamloops that reflects our continuum of care and trauma-informed approach.”
One of the defining features of the Genesis project is its deep integration of Indigenous culture and wellness. Recognizing the over-representation of Indigenous individuals in homelessness and support programs, the project includes onsite Indigenous staff, cultural programming, and spaces like a healing garden and food garden.
“What makes Genesis different from other supportive housing is the cultural connection built into it,” Achoba said. “We have elders and cultural programs onsite, which help residents reconnect with their Indigenous roots, build dignity, and foster hope.”
Supporting Residents Beyond Housing
The new building will also offer vital supportive infrastructure, including onsite wellness staff, a manager with Indigenous background, and psychosocial rehabilitation activities. Residents will have access to life skills training, wellness programs, and community engagement opportunities designed to help them thrive and progress toward independence.
“From day one, Genesis has included psychosocial rehab activities — things like budgeting, exercise, transit passes, and other supports — to help individuals move successfully through the housing continuum,” Achoba noted. “This is a significant upgrade for Kamloops and a model that we hope to replicate in other communities.”
Looking Ahead
Construction is expected to continue through 2026, with the first tenants anticipated to move in early 2027. Demand for supportive housing in Kamloops remains high, with over 300 individuals currently on the waitlist.
“We already have over 50 people waiting for Genesis housing,” Achoba said. “These 48 new units will provide critical capacity to move people from shelters and streets into stable, supportive homes.”
Community Engagement a Priority
CMHA Kamloops and partners have proactively engaged local neighbors to ensure community concerns are addressed. According to Achoba, the feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Neighbors have expressed how respectful the residents have been and the quiet nature of the site,” he said. “We maintain an open-door policy and will continue to hold open houses and check-ins to be good neighbors and ensure the program meets community and resident needs.”
As Kamloops moves forward with Genesis 2.0, Achoba expressed excitement and hope for the project’s impact.
“I’m really excited for Kamloops,” he said. “This is about more than just housing — it’s about building community, offering hope, and providing pathways for people to thrive.”
