CMHA Kelowna's Community Roots outreach team has more than 5,000 interactions with unhoused individuals each year, serving the largest area out of any outreach team in the Okanagan (West Kelowna, Downtown, OS4, Midtown, Rutland, and the Rail Trail). Community Roots helps support people during their experience of homelessness, moves people into housing, empowers people to build healthier stable lives, and works hard to prevent others from experiencing homelessness in the first place.

We meet people where they are at and offer support to meet urgent and basic needs (including food, water, harm reduction supplies, tents, blankets, warm clothing, hygiene supplies and other necessary items). When basic needs are met, individuals can breathe a little easier, and have the space and well-being necessary to concentrate on the future. Our Outreach Navigators will be alongside to offer on-going support for whatever is needed next (from removing barriers to accessing housing & completing the steps needed to connect with housing, to obtaining government ID to assisting with referrals and completion of applications to other social services).

Almost 10% of people living in BC live below the poverty line. Housing insecurity, food insecurity and poverty are all risk factors for mental illness. With your help we can provide warmth and foster wellness, assisting individuals and families in our community experiencing homelessness, and provide support and resources to help get them housed permanently.

This symbolic gift supports our Community Roots outreach program.