The Compass site hosts Compass House, Compass Centre, and Compass Court. The site is staffed 24/7 with security (Neighbourhood Watch) and support workers.
This project is operated in partnership with BC Housing.
Compass Centre is a low-barrier, co-ed shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness. The shelter has 30 dorm-style beds. Individuals staying in a shared room have a locker for their belongings. There are also 43 individual “camp style” units or “pods” that each have a small bed, dresser and a door that locks. Shelter residents are provided with three meals per day. There is a curfew between 11:00pm and 6:00am whereby residents must be on the property in order to keep their bed, but residents are not required to leave the property during the day.
Compass Court Supportive Housing is a low-barrier housing program for individuals with history of homelessness who may be struggling with addiction and/or mental health issues. The structure and staff support offered through this type of housing helps program participants to connect with valuable community resources, learn or relearn life-skills, problem solve, and address underlying issues affecting their overall well-being and ability to maintain housing. 32 units of supportive housing are currently occupied at Compass.
In April 2023, a Point In Time homeless count was conducted in Penticton. In this 24-hour period, those experiencing homelessness were identified.
166 people were identified as experiencing homelessness in Penticton compared to 114 in 2021.
The Neighbourhood Watch team provides 24-hour security, seven days per week at and around CompassShelter, the Skaha Motels, and surrounding neighbourhoods. The majority of their shift time is spent outdoors, monitoring the shelter and housing sites and surrounding neighbourhoods. All team members have valid security and first aid certification. The Neighbourhood Watch team members have all done orientation to shelter support work and some are actively working as additional support staff in the shelter.
PDSCL has partnered with BC Housing on several different housing projects. Visit the link below to see what other resources BC Housing can offer you.
Martin Street Outreach Centre provides primary care services for people with mental health and/or substance use needs.
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The Access Centre supports people by with Tax Assistance, Legal Advocacy, Disability Advocacy, and outreach programs.
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South Okanagan Women In Need Society (SOWINS) provides supports to people in their recovery from the impact of violence and abuse.
If you or someone you know is experiencing or at risk of homelessness, call or text 211 anywhere in BC to connect to non-emergency community health and social services in your area, or visit the below link.
Foundry Penticton works with partner organizations that will address the health and wellness needs of young people aged 12 to 24 and their families. There is mental health and subtance use services, physical health care, peer support and work programs.
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