Youth Housing & Services
More than 12% of People Experiencing Homelessness in Kelowna are Young People Under the age of 24
At CMHA Kelowna, we believe that no matter how young or how old – everyone deserves a safe place to call home.
We know that young people have their own unique and distinct needs and that’s why our youth housing is designed to address those needs. We offer housing for young adults aged 17-24 along with specific supports so they can begin to stabilize their lives and have an opportunity to thrive. CMHA Kelowna works directly with A Way Home Kelowna in order to identify youth who are homeless or at the risk of homelessness and provide them with access to housing, and the necessary and age-appropriate supports that focus on health, well-being, life skills, engagement in education and employment, and social inclusion.
Housing First for Youth (HF4Y)
Just as we do with adults, we use the Housing First model so we can support youth to find and maintain housing that is safe, affordable, and appropriate, as well as provide them with supports that focus on wellness and social inclusion. Housing First for Youth (HF4Y) is a youth-specific adaption of the traditional Housing First model.
The Benvoulin Youth Housing Initiative
The Benvoulin Youth Housing Initiative is comprised of 18 micro suites for youth between the ages of 17-24 who are on the path towards adulthood. These independent suites provide a safe, supportive environment where they can continue to increase their level of education, develop life skills and natural supports that will transition them into adulthood and self-sufficiency. With a key focus on advancing a young person’s education or career, these suites provide homes to young people to experience independence while still having access to support.
To support our community’s Youth Homelessness Prevention Plan with A Way Home Kelowna, we are proud to be the lead operator of the Benvoulin Youth Housing Initiative. Through our partnership with A Way Home Kelowna, we have convened local partners to support the project, including:
- Boys and Girls Clubs Okanagan
- The Bridge Youth and Family Services
- ARC Program
- Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society
- Central Okanagan Journey Home Society
- Ministry of Children and Family Development
- BC Housing
We would like to thank Worman Homes for their commitment to this project and to addressing youth homelessness in our community.
How to Apply for Youth Housing
Please submit the YOUTH HOMELESSNESS SERVICES REFERRAL PACKAGE to:
Attn: Jamie Lloyd-Smith
By email: [email protected]
In person or mail: 504 Sutherland Ave., Kelowna, B.C., V1Y 5X1
By fax: 250-763-4827
For more information on our youth housing programs and initiatives please contact Jen Kanters, Associate Director, Housing & Homelessness Services: [email protected]