By Chad Klassen

United Way launches program to help homeless transition into affordable housing

Feb 26, 2019 | 1:36 PM

KAMLOOPS — The United Way has launched a new campaign in the hopes of helping people transition more easily to affordable housing in Kamloops. 

It’s called A Path to Home and the United Way is partnering with the Kamloops and District Real Estate Association, encouraging local realtors and Kamloops residents to purchase an apartment kit that would include the basics that people would need when they move into their new home.

“We’re looking at raising apartment kits for those moving into a home for the very first time,” said the executive director of the Thompson-Nicola-Cariboo United Way Danalee Baker. “Often times, they don’t have anything but the clothes on their back. We’re talking, not fancy stuff, but pillows, comforters, toothpaste, shampoo, towels, those kinds of things.”

The kits would mainly be for the homeless population that is set to move into the modular housing units on Tranquille Road at the end of March.

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People interested in helping can sponsor either a single room for $200, a kitchen and bathroom for $400, or a full apartment with a plaque for $1,000. Local realtor Brendan Shaw, who purchased an entire apartment for someone in need, felt compelled to help out when approached by Baker. 

“The whole concept behind Path to Home, it’s helping those marginalized in our community,” said Shaw. “I think it’s a great initiative that’s been put on by a number of local non-profits, including the United Way, and I think it’s definitely something, being in real estate ourselves, that we can fully get behind.”

The initiative has been part of a campaign in February where realtors have taken part in engaging with the marginalized population, including a tour of the affordable housing units in the city. 

“The realtors got to visit six different sites, some just being built, some longstanding, and were able to learn about the supports and the good neighbour policy [the City of Kamloops] put in place,” noted Baker. 

Anyone interested in purchasing kits can contact the TNC United Way at 250-372-9933.