Non-Profit Housing Program
Launched in the late 1970s, this Housing Program supports Indigenous non-profit organizations to develop and operate safe, affordable rental homes for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people living off reserve in urban communities. The program offers income-based rent often set at about 25% of household income and is funded through CMHC, alongside newer federal and provincial initiatives such as BC’s Indigenous Housing Fund.
Housing Complex Timeline
1988
1565 Lethbridge Avenue
Townhouse Family Complex – 30 Units
1989
Six (6) Single Family Homes
1991
1450 Springhill Drive
Townhouse Family Complex – 24 Units
1992
685 Sydney Avenue
Elder’s Residence
24 Apartments
2010
1430 Springhill Drive
Singles and Families
19 Apartments
2013
KNHS acquired title to 97 units, most single-family homes, from the Rural Native Housing program
1988 Brocklehurst Neighbourhood
1565 Lethbridge Avenue
Townhouse Family Complex – 30 units
KNHS decided to open our first building at this location because most urban Indigenous people lived in North Kamloops. We initially faced community opposition, with fears low-income Indigenous housing would increase traffic and decrease property values.
1989 - Six (6) Single Family Homes
KNHS acquired properties in the North Shore-Brocklehurst area for families who wanted and had the ability to care for a home and outdoor space/yard.
1991 - Sahali Neighbourhood
1450 Springhill Drive Townhouse Family Complex – 24 units
KNHS opened 24 family units in three buildings with a shared community room. Some Indigenous individuals were moving to Kamloops to attend university and couldn’t afford to bring their families.
1992 - North Shore Neighbourhood
685 Sydney Avenue Elder’s Residence – 24 apartments
The Elders’ residence has 24 units, three accessible, with free laundry and a community room. Bingo events, monthly meals, a food share program to augment residents’ groceries, and celebratory dinners on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter are some of the activities that are held in the Residence.
2010 – Sahali Neighbourhood
This LEED GOLD certified project has 19 apartments for Indigenous students, families and seniors. Without ongoing subsidy, 20% of units are rent-geared-to-income and the remaining are low end market rents.
Support Services
KNHS offers:
Tenant Relations Coordinator to help people apply for housing, make counselling referrals, bring in cultural supports.
Indigenous Outreach Worker reaches out to Indigenous people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. They collaborate with community and government agencies to help individuals access housing and other community resources.
Canadian BC Housing Benefits Program – Rent Supplements – We provide 60 rent supplements to give Indigenous people experiencing or at risk of homelessness access to stable housing.
Community Involvement and Partnerships
We also partner with:
A Way Home Kamloops, a non-profit group that provides wraparound services for youth experiencing homelessness.
Tk ̓ emlúps te Secwépemc Nation to advocate for housing services, as our visions for on and off-reserve housing are a good fit.
ASK Wellness Kamloops to support their Indigenous outreach clients facing homelessness, mental health and/or substance use challenges.