The Rapid Rehousing program is an initiative between ASK Wellness Society and Interior Health Authority’s Mental Health & Substance Use. A housing-first approach is taken in order to house some of the chronically homeless and those suffering from complex mental illnesses in our community. Currently, Rapid Rehousing houses 23 individuals across 21 units in Kamloops. Referrals for this program are sent to ASK Wellness Society through Interior Health’s ACT, ICM, TSR, and Seniors MHSU teams, and appropriate individuals are then housed in this scattered site.
ASK Wellness Society helps those that participate in this program with basic life skills, connecting them with their mental health supports, and acting as a liaison between the resident and the landlord. Success in this program is based on collaboration between ASK, the individual, their mental health team, and the landlord. After individuals in this program demonstrate they can maintain their overall wellness and a good standing at the building in which they live, the end goal of graduating out of Rapid Rehousing means eventually taking over the tenancy of the unit themselves.
Contact: Connell, c.mcinnis@askwellness.ca
