This winter, something incredible happened in Vernon. Because of your generosity and compassion, 24 individuals found a safe, warm place to lay their heads. In the middle of the Okanagan cold, they found the “Gift of Rest.”

But as any of our guests will tell you, a bed is just the beginning.

From Survival to Stability

When a person is living on the street, they are in a constant state of “survival mode.” Their entire world is narrowed down to the next hour: Where will I sleep? How will I stay warm? Where is my next meal? You cannot plan for a future when you are fighting to survive the present.

That is why the rest we provide through our shelter is so critical. It calms the nervous system and provides the mental space needed to think about tomorrow. But once a person is rested, the real journey begins. At our shelter, we don’t just provide a bed; we provide a roadmap.

What is “The Plan”?

We call our transition process “The Plan,” and it is the bridge between homelessness and independence. It is a structured, step-by-step path designed to untangle the complexities of poverty, addiction, and isolation.

Through “The Plan,” our dedicated case management work helps guests with:

• Reclaiming Identity: Navigating the “paperwork barrier” to replace lost BCIDs, Birth Certificates, and SIN cards—the keys to every other service.

• Establish Financial Foundations: Setting up safe banking, filing taxes, managing provincial assistance, and learning the budgeting skills needed to stay housed for the long term.

• Employment Readiness: Connecting with local partners like WorkBC Vernon to build resumes, practice interviews, and re-enter the workforce.

• Holistic Healing: Addressing the “whole person” by navigating legal hurdles and connecting with North Okanagan mental health and substance use services.

• Securing a Home: Transitioning from the roadmap to a destination. We work tirelessly to identify available rentals, navigate BC Housing applications, and build relationships with local landlords to find a safe, permanent place to call home.

The Power of Walking Together

Perhaps the most important part of our work isn’t what we do, but how we do it.

The system can be a cold, confusing maze. For someone already struggling, one “no” from an office or one lost form can be enough to make them give up. That is why we emphasize walking alongside our guests.

Walking together means no one has to navigate the system alone. It means having an advocate when doors feel closed. It means having a partner to celebrate the small wins, like a first paycheck or a successful housing viewing. It means replacing isolation with community.

An Investment in Change

Walking with someone through the exit of homelessness, addiction, and poverty takes time. It takes professional expertise. It takes patience. And yes, it takes resources.

It is a deeper investment than providing a single meal or a one-night stay, but it is the only way to see lasting change. When we invest in “The Plan,” we aren’t just managing homelessness in Vernon—we are ending it, one person at a time.

Thank you for providing the rest. Now, thank you for joining us on the journey.