This 43-unit affordable housing unit for seniors 55 and older will be ready Mar. 1. The building will be called The Stollery Suites on Spirit Square (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

ASK Wellness looking forward to more affordable units, honour Stollery Foundation on Spirit Square project

Nov 5, 2019 | 5:16 PM

KAMLOOPS — The number of affordable housing units has taken off in the last year, and despite more coming online in the spring, the executive director of ASK Wellness says it won’t be enough.

“Just when I think we’ve actually turned the corner and made significant inroads to address the homeless needs in the community…There are not enough beds to go around in this community, both from shelter beds to housing,” said executive director Bob Hughes.

The increase in supportive housing started with Mission Flats Manor, a facility operated by ASK Wellness that opened last October. In the spring, another ASK property — Spero House on Tranquille Road — opened to 58 residents.

Spero House charges $375 a month and includes two meals a day. Hughes says seeing residents eating nutritious food has made a big difference.

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“This is unprecedented, and the outcome has been that the people are getting well, they’re getting healthy. We’ve seen stories in the media of people coming forward about their lives being transformed,” said Hughes.

Alfred Wilson resides there and is doing well since moving there from Mission Flats in April.

“It’s great for me. They’ve helped me out a lot. I’ve got a couple doctors things that I’ve got to go, they help me out with them,” said Wilson.

In the spring, another ASK Wellness project, in partnership with Arpa Investments, will be complete. Forty-three affordable units, mainly for people 55 and older, are set to become available. Hughes announced on Tuesday the building will be called The Stollery Suites on Spirit Square.

“It’s something we’re very proud to have all the support from the Stollery Foundation, not only with ASK but across the social and health organizations in our city,” he said.

Once complete, Wilson will be moving over to Spirit Square, hoping it’s his last move.

“It’ll be more independent,” he said. “I can get back to being independent again.”