The Complex Needs Advocacy Paper was a regional approach led by the City of Kelowna and included the perspectives and data from the City of Vernon, District of Lake Country, City of Kelowna, City of West Kelowna and Okanagan Indian Band. Urban Matters worked collaboratively with the City of Kelowna, the Central Okanagan Journey Home Society, and regional partners to:

• Identify the available and relevant data to understand the scale of people experiencing complex needs across the region
• Draw on research, best and promising practices, and insights from local service providers to understand the gaps in the current system
• Identify a model for Complex Care Housing – including the housing continuum and
  identification of appropriate supports
• Understand the costs of implementing the model in the region, including comparisons to the cost of the status quo
• Ensure that solutions incorporate Indigenous leadership and a focus on cultural safety, given the overrepresentation of Indigenous people who experience complex needs

Impact:

The intent of this work was to build the case and develop an approach to advocate to the provincial government for support and funding in implementing the model for Complex Care Housing in the region. In September 2022, Interior Health and the City of Kelowna, along with the provincial Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions confirmed the approval for the delivery and supports for up to 20 people with complex care needs living in the Central Okanagan.