Kirk, a 52-year-old former roofer and homeless individual, spends his mornings collecting empty bottles in downtown Kelowna. He has been homeless for over five years due to his drug addiction, particularly heroin. However, this past winter, he was chosen to live in one of the 60 tiny homes at Step Place in Kelowna’s north end. This new housing opportunity has provided Kirk with a sense of security and stability, as well as access to essential services. He no longer has to worry about being cold or having his belongings stolen, and he can sleep peacefully without the disturbances from the nearby outdoor sheltering site.
Living in a tiny home has not only improved Kirk’s living conditions but has also positively impacted his drug use. He mentioned that he is slowly reducing his fentanyl intake since moving into the tiny home, from consuming a significant amount daily to a much smaller amount every other day. Another resident, Ryan Romaniuk, views Step Place as a stepping stone towards a better future. He hopes that living in the tiny home will help him become more financially stable and eventually afford rent on his own. The positive impact of Step Place has inspired the City of Kelowna to plan for additional tiny homes and modular housing units in the near future.
Kirk expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to live in a tiny home and believes that more housing options should be made available to the homeless population in Kelowna and surrounding areas. He emphasized the importance of individuals taking advantage of these housing opportunities to improve their living situations. Kirk remains hopeful that living in a tiny home will help him reintegrate into the workforce and eventually secure more permanent housing. Despite facing challenges such as homelessness and drug addiction, Kirk maintains a positive outlook on his future and is determined to make the most of the opportunities presented to him.
Overall, the residents of Step Place, including Kirk and Ryan Romaniuk, have found a sense of stability and support through the tiny homes provided to them. The availability of essential services, a safe living environment, and the prospect of future housing options have significantly impacted their lives and empowered them to work towards a better future. The success of Step Place has sparked plans for additional housing developments in Kelowna, demonstrating a commitment to addressing homelessness and providing individuals with the resources they need to improve their circumstances. As Kirk and other residents continue to benefit from these initiatives, the hope is that more individuals experiencing homelessness will have access to similar opportunities for a brighter future.
