News

October 7, 2024

OKVHS Seeks Woman Whose Letter Inspired $1 Million Donation for Affordable Housing

The Okanagan Village Housing Society (OKVHS) is on a heartfelt mission to find a woman whose letter to the editor inspired a $1 million donation, which will go towards an affordable housing project in Vernon. 

The anonymous donation came after the woman, who shared her struggle with housing costs in the community, wrote a letter musing, “if only a millionaire reading this would help.” This letter moved a generous donor to step forward and make a life-changing contribution.

“We are actively searching for the woman who wrote that letter,” said Cindy Masters of OKVHS. “Her words spearheaded this incredible gift, and while the donor wishes to remain anonymous, he has expressed an interest in meeting the person who inspired his generosity.”

The donation has enabled OKVHS to purchase land for a new affordable housing project, *A Place to Call Home*, located at 6545 Okanagan Landing Road. The project will provide housing for families, seniors, and individuals struggling to afford housing in Vernon.

“We hear stories every day about people facing housing challenges in Vernon, and this woman’s letter is one that sparked a huge difference,” added Masters.

Currently in the re-zoning and Official Community Plan (OCP) process with the City of Vernon, *A Place to Call Home* is designed to offer 96 units, including 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom suites. The project is a vital step toward addressing the ongoing housing shortage in the Okanagan region.

OKVHS is appealing to the community for help in locating the woman behind the letter, as her courage in sharing her story has already made a lasting impact on many lives.

If you have any information, please contact OKVHS, as we would love to connect with her and share the incredible news of how her words brought hope and action to Vernon’s housing crisis.

September 27, 2024

The Anonymous Million-Dollar Donor 

One serene morning, nestled in the heart of Vernon, a heartfelt plea caught the attention of a  compassionate couple. A letter to the Editor in the Morning Star newspaper featured the story of  a woman on the brink of homelessness, her rental slipping away due to the skyrocketing costs of  housing in the community. Her words resonated deeply: “If only a millionaire reading this would  help.” 

Moved by her plight, the husband, determined to make a difference, began researching ways to  alleviate the housing crisis in their community. His search led him to the Okanagan Village Housing Society’s website, www.okvillage.ca. Intrigued by their mission and the work they had  accomplished, he decided to learn more. 

They visited the society’s office and met with Kara Reynolds the Building Manager who left a  message for Cindy Masters, the Executive Director to call them. Cindy’s passion for community  advocacy shone through in their conversations, and her dedication to increasing rental housing in Vernon was evident. Over several discussions and a thorough tour of the society’s projects, the husband gained a comprehensive understanding of their operations and challenges. 

One significant hurdle, Cindy explained, was the rising cost of land, which hindered their ability to build more housing units. She mentioned a desirable 2-acre plot on Okanagan Landing Road that the society felt was a perfect location. 

After reflecting on their newfound knowledge, the couple decided to take action and a meeting  with some of the volunteer Board of Directors occurred. They announced that they have decided to donate an astounding one million dollars to the Okanagan Village Housing Society, specifically  for the purchase of the coveted land at 6545 Okanagan Landing Road. Thanks to their extraordinary generosity, the land was secured, paving the way for a new housing project that  would provide much-needed rental housing.  

The identity of this benevolent couple remains anonymous at their request, but their impact is tangible and far-reaching. Their selfless act will create a ripple effect, offering hope and stability  to many others in the Vernon community. The society now stands poised to leverage other  generous donors and various levels of government to build more housing, fulfilling their mission of creating comfortable, safe homes for low to moderate income workers, families, pensioners,  and people with diverse abilities who are in need of help along their way to becoming or remaining long-term contributing citizens. 

This story serves as a poignant reminder of the power of empathy and generosity. Sometimes, all it takes is one compassionate act to ignite change and transform lives.

September 27, 2024

News Release 

PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For further information, please contact Cindy Masters: (250) 503-7974

Okanagan Village Housing Society Announces A Place to Call Home at 6545 Okanagan Landing Road, thanks to an anonymous donor.

The Okanagan Village Housing Society is proud to announce the plans for A Place to Call Home, a significant new affordable housing project located at 6545 Okanagan Landing Road, which will provide much-needed homes for local families, seniors, and individuals facing housing challenges. The project has been made possible thanks to a generous contribution from an anonymous donor, whose commitment to supporting the community has enabled the society to move forward with this important initiative by purchasing the land. The Donor Story is above.

“We are incredibly grateful to our anonymous donor for their remarkable generosity,” said Margaret Penner, Presiden of the Okanagan Village Housing Society. “Their support has been instrumental in allowing us to purchase the land where we can create a much-needed housing project, which will provide stability and opportunity for those in our community. This development is a vital step toward tackling the ongoing housing crisis in the Okanagan region.”

“A day does not go by at the office of Okanagan Village Housing Society where, both Kara Reynolds, the Building Manager and myself hear story after story of people who are desperately looking for housing” says Cindy Masters Executive Director. “Thanks to preliminary developmental funding, the multifamily project is planned to consist of 96 units of 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom suites and is currently in the re-zoning and OCP process with the City of Vernon.”

“Today marks the beginning of a matching million dollar fundraising campaign which will give OKVHS clear title to the property eliminating the burden of land cost and helping keep the rents affordable”, mentions Sattu Mahapatra, Board Director and member of the Fundraising Committee. “With less than 1% vacancy rate, the North Okanagan is experiencing a critical shortage of affordable rental housing. Employers are challenged to attract and retain workers.”

Joining the fundraising campaign with a five-year donation commitment is Okanagan Restoration Services Ltd. “We are excited and honored to support organizations like Okanagan Village Housing who are already making a positive impact in our community,” said Sarah Moorhouse.

“The need for affordable housing in Vernon has never been greater, and the Okanagan Village Housing Society is committed to being part of the solution,” Masters added. “With the support of the community, our remarkable anonymous donor and today, Okanagan Restoration Services, we can ensure that more people have access to safe, comfortable housing for individuals and families.”

For more information about the project or how to help, please contact: Cindy Masters.