News

December 4, 2024

Matching Campaign Raises $20,000 in One Day for Okanagan Village Housing Society’s A Place to Call Home Fundraiser

In an incredible show of generosity, the Vernon community has rallied behind Okanagan Village Housing Society (OKVHS) to raise close to $20,000 in just one day for the A Place to Call Home fundraising campaign. This milestone marks a significant step toward the $80,000 goal for the society’s matching campaign, which will directly support the development of 96 affordable rental units at 6545 Okanagan Landing Road.

A highlight of the day was a remarkable $5,370 donation from the Vernon Salt Fowler Team, presented by Glenn Beach and Christie King to Cindy Masters, Executive Director of OKVHS.

Lisa Salt, a seasoned Realtor with over 30 years of experience in Vernon and a member of OKVHS’s Board of Directors and Fundraising Committee, shared her team’s motivation:

“As a long-time Realtor, I’ve seen firsthand the changes in housing affordability in Vernon. I joined the Board of Directors and the Fundraising Committee for OKVHS to be part of the solution. Our entire team donates a portion of each commission cheque to charity, and we couldn’t think of a better cause to support in 2024 than A Place to Call Home.”

The campaign’s success is built on heartfelt community contributions, from businesses to individuals who recognize the importance of affordable housing. Masters described the emotional moments she’s experienced during the campaign:

“My heart just grew. I had been picking up donations, receiving calls from people asking how to give, and watching donations come in through Canada Helps. A long-time tenant walked in with tears in her eyes. She said it wasn’t much, but she wanted the society to have it so we could continue helping people like herself. With tears in my eyes, I shared what I have always believed: Every Dollar Makes a Difference!”

OKVHS is a Vernon-based registered charity dedicated to addressing the critical need for affordable housing in the North Okanagan. The society works to provide stable, at and below-market rental housing for low- to moderate-income individuals, families, and seniors, creating opportunities for community members to live with dignity and stability.

With the matching campaign still open, donations made now will be doubled, thanks to a generous $80,000 matching fund. These funds will bring OKVHS closer to building safe, stable, and affordable housing that will benefit families, seniors, and workers in Vernon for generations to come.

Community members are encouraged to donate online through Canada Helps or contact Cindy Masters directly at OKVHS to contribute. Every gift, large or small, will have twice the impact.

November 19, 2024

Support OKVHS on Giving Tuesday and Double Your Impact!

This Giving Tuesday, on December 3rd, we invite you to be part of an extraordinary opportunity to make a lasting impact in our community. Thanks to two generous matching donations—$50,000 from Don Searle and Laura Gosset and $30,000 from Lloyd Davies and Janet Armstrong—every dollar raised on Giving Tuesday will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $80,000! This means your support will go twice as far toward addressing Vernon’s affordable housing needs.

Affordable housing is critical for Vernon’s workforce, families, and seniors. Your contribution on Giving Tuesday directly supports OKVHS’s A Place to Call Home fundraising campaign, helping develop 96 affordable rental units at 6545 Okanagan Landing Road. These homes will provide stability and opportunity for over 200 individuals, strengthening the fabric of our community and ensuring more residents can thrive.

Here’s what our donors have to say about their support:

We have both worked extensively in the real estate industry in Vernon and understand the importance of access to affordable housing. In our opinion, it is crucial to the quality of life and contributes to a thriving local economy. We are thrilled to be able to give back to Vernon, a community we formerly called home.

Don Searle & Laura Gosset

We are happy to support the OKVHS in their quest to provide safe, stable, and affordable housing where rents are based on income. Helping families and pensioners to access good housing will help stabilize and strengthen our community. It’s a win-win. We are providing $30,000 to the matching pool to encourage others to give what they can to help meet the $1,000,000 goal.

Lloyd Davies & Janet Armstrong

On Giving Tuesday, your gift will be doubled, thanks to the $80,000 matching pool. Every donation—large or small—will have twice the impact in creating a stronger, more inclusive Vernon. Together, we can provide safe, affordable housing for those who need it most. Be part of this community-driven movement for lasting change. Help us maximize this matching gift and make a real difference for affordable housing in Vernon. Donate today!

October 23, 2024

Open House Scheduled for Proposed Affordable Housing Project at 6545 Okanagan Landing Road

We are inviting the public to attend an open house to discuss an important amendment to the Official Community Plan (OCP) for 6545 Okanagan Landing Road. This amendment is a key step in moving forward with the development of a much-needed affordable apartment housing project for the Vernon community.

The proposal seeks to change the land use designation from “Residential Low Density (RLD)” to “Residential High Density (RHD)” and rezone the land from “Agricultural & Rural Small Block (Non-ALR)” to “Medium Scale Housing (MSH)”. If approved, these changes will allow for the development of affordable apartment housing that will provide much-needed homes for working families and individuals with low to moderate incomes.

Open House Details:

• Date: October 26, 2024
• Time: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
• Location: Okanagan Room, Okanagan Regional Library, 2800 30th Avenue, Vernon, BC

The open house provides an opportunity for residents to view the OCP amendment application, ask questions, and provide feedback. This in-person event is an important forum for community members to engage with the project and learn about its potential impact on the community.

You can also view project details and submit comments to us from October 17, 2024, to October 26, 2024.

Why This Matters

Affordable housing is a growing concern in the Vernon area, and the proposed development at 6545 Okanagan Landing Road aims to address this critical need. The project will help provide stable, affordable housing for individuals and families who are currently struggling to find suitable homes due to rising costs.

Okanagan Village Housing Society encourages all community members to participate in this open house and share their thoughts on the proposed changes.

For more information, please contact Cindy Masters at (250) 545-6475.

Let’s work together to create more affordable housing and build a stronger, more inclusive Vernon.

October 15, 2024

RE/MAX Vernon Salt Fowler Supports A Place to Call Home Campaign with Generous Fundraising Efforts

We are proud to share that RE/MAX Vernon Salt Fowler has made a meaningful contribution to our A Place to Call Home fundraising campaign through their 15th annual Pumpkin Patch Day, held on October 6, 2024. Despite the less-than-ideal weather, RE/MAX Vernon Salt Fowler raised an impressive $1,740 in matched donations to support our initiative to build 96 affordable housing units at 6545 Okanagan Landing Road.

The annual Pumpkin Patch Day charity event, complete with pumpkin picking, hot dogs, coffee, and treats for the kids, was a huge success, thanks to the incredible efforts of the Salt Fowler team. Their dedication to helping families in our community is evident, not only through their work in real estate but also in their commitment to giving back. RE/MAX Vernon Salt Fowler recognized the housing challenges in Vernon and chose to make our affordable housing project the focus of their fundraising efforts this year.

We are incredibly thankful for RE/MAX Vernon Salt Fowler’s generosity and ongoing support. Local businesses like RE/MAX Vernon Salt Fowler play a crucial role in helping us address the need for affordable housing in our community. Their efforts, alongside contributions from other local businesses demonstrate the power of community in making positive change.

As we continue working toward our goal of raising $1 million by June 2025, the support from local businesses and the community is bringing us closer to creating safe, affordable housing for those who need it most.

To learn more about how you can support our A Place to Call Home fundraising campaign, please visit our fundraising page or contact us for more information.

We sincerely thank RE/MAX Vernon Salt Fowler for their continued commitment to helping create a brighter future for families in Vernon.

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, President 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.