VIDEO: Supportive housing project for the homeless nears completion in Kelowna

The controversial Aggasiz Road supportive housing project for people experiencing homelessness is nearing completion. People like how it looks, but people in the neighbourhood remain very concerned about it.

So while offering KelownaNow a look inside the facility, the John Howard Society was making assurances that it will be operated with the neighbours in mind.

Stephen Village will have 51 supportive homes with around-the-clock supports when it opens next month. Its purpose is to help give people who are without a home, a new start.

"I'm really excited," said Hailee Rogers with the John Howard Society. "I think it will be even more exciting for the people who are getting to move in."

While KelownaNow toured the building, Municipal Affairs Minister Selina Robinson was offering up words of support from Victoria.

"We're working with our partners to provide these homes in Kelowna because when vulnerable people have housing and wraparound supports, it's good for everyone in the community," said Robinson.

"This building will give people without homes the dignity of safe and secure housing, along with supports to help them move forward with their lives."

The project nears completion after taking a lot of criticism along the way. Dozens marched in protest against the project back in December of 2018.

"Oh it was very strong," said area resident Gary Mauro about the opposition in the neighbourhood. "Everyone was against it." But at this point, he's ready to give it a chance. "We kind of have to," he said with a laugh.

Stephen Village is a four-storey modular apartment building with 51 self-contained units, each with a private washroom and mini kitchen. Shared amenities include a laundry room, a commercial kitchen and a dining lounge area where residents can enjoy meals together. The building also has a medical room to provide on-site care for residents. Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran also took the opportunity to comment.

"These 51 new homes for people who have struggled to find stable housing will be life-changing for the residents selected to live here," said Basran. "The housing-first approach to end homelessness is part of the larger solution for social and economic needs in Kelowna and we look forward to other BC Housing developments in our community in the future."

The John Howard Society will manage the building with support services, including meal programs, life and employment skills training, health and wellness support services and opportunities for volunteer work.

The promise is to have at least two staff members on-site 24/7.

"Safe and secure homes like these provide a real opportunity for people to rebuild their lives," said Rogers. "We're committed to being a good neighbour."

A neighbourhood advisory committee is being set up to give people in the area a voice in how things go.

Residents will begin moving into the new building on Aug. 17, 2020.