Affordable housing coming?
Following upon a homelessness forum last September, the South Okanagan Homelessness Committee met at the Osoyoos Baptist Church last Thursday to discuss the issue of affordable housing in the South Okanagan.
Committee Chair Pastor Phil Johnson welcomed guest speakers Stephen Hall, the Senior Advisor, Public/Private Partnerships for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and Manfred Gershack, the Senior Project Officer, Development Services for B.C. Housing.
Johnson began the meeting by stating the committee's purpose, which is to address the problems in the community that cause people to be homeless. The committee further seeks to make available affordable housing and encourage living wage employment and needed support services.
A year-long project, which began in October 2004 and concluded in September 2005, sought to identify the extent of homelessness in the South Okanagan, in-cluding the communities of Okanagan Falls, Oliver and Osoyoos. At the time of the study last spring, approximately 44 people were identified as homeless within the South Okanagan, but it was also pointed out the number was likely higher, as many people in the community are good at 'hiding' their homelessness.
Osoyoos realtor Bill Robertson (Fraser Real Estate), spoke to the issue of affordable housing in Osoyoos, saying bluntly, there isn't any.rnRobertson went on to say that he knew of only two houses for sale under $200,000. He added he knew of a four-plex downtown that could be purchased for $400,000, which in turn could be converted to affordable housing. As well, he noted the property across from Sagebrush Lodge is selling for $329,000.
This property could be rezoned to allow for 12 housing develop-ments, Robertson said. He also distributed copies of a recent article in Oroville's Gazette-Tribune about agri-worker housing serving as a homeless shelter over the winter months, adding he would investigate further to find out how this is being funded.
Former councillor Ken Davreux said he would look into preliminary discussions with the Town of Osoyoos regarding properties that could be available for affordable housing.
Johnson said there is a need for short- and long-term solutions. He noted that the Baptist Church has looked at the four-plex Robertson referred to.
We have considered the possibility of fundraising to purchase that property. I have also thought we could possibly renovate the two lower commercial units to create a hostel, Johnson said.
We could rent the beds to those passing through, making money between May and October. Then from November to April we could use the place as an emergency shelter.rnSteve Hall and Manfred Gershack explained in general what assistance the CMHC and B.C. Housing can offer, from seed funding to partnership initiatives.
Hall said that community and munici-pal involvement and support are important for the success of any affordable housing/working poor/homeless shelter housing projects.
No question, they are the hardest group to fundraise for, Hall said.
It is much easier when a big group, such as a collection of service clubs or church groups, or when communities can work together on an affordable housing project.rnHe added that the CMHC is looking for groups with broad community support and who also have a proven track record of developing similar, successful projects.
Gershack said B.C. Housing will also review proposals. The goal of their Provincial Home-lessness Initiative is to break the cycle of homelessness and help people to move toward greater self-reliance.
The South Okanagan Homelessness Committee agreed to consult further with CMHC and B.C. Housing and to determine amongst the members whether to focus on a small or a large project to address affordable housing needs in the area.
The committee will be meeting again at 1 p.m. on Thursday, February 23 at the Baptist Church. If you wish to attend, or join the committee, contact Phil Johnson at 495-6581.
