Spero House

Category: Supportive Housing | Author(s): Felix Larouche

Image Credit: Felix Larouche

Location Address: 317 Tranquille Rd, Kamloops, BC V2B 3G4, Canada

Subject

Located along Tranquille Road on the North Shore of Kamloops is Spero House, – a 65-bed supportive housing facility operated by ASK Wellness. Spero House opened in 2019, the facility offers its residents affordable rent, two meals a day, and most importantly, a place to call home.

Spero House, along with other supportive housing facilities across British Columbia are the result of the provincial government’s Rapid Response to Homelessness program, which was introduced in 2017. For the first two years of the program, the government provided $291 million to build 2,000 supportive housing units across the province. The program also provided $170 million over three years to help fund support staff for the sites.

The supportive housing model is in place to assist those who are the most vulnerable. Supportive housing is a crucial piece to the housing crisis puzzle, assisting those who may not be ready for a traditional housing solution.

Examples of these vulnerable groups include: 

  • Low-income adults
  • Individuals who are unhoused or at risk of homelessness
  • Individuals who require support to live independently
  • Individuals who need support to maintain a tenancy

Crisis

Since its opening in 2019, Spero House has always been at full capacity. With their waitlists growing and the homelessness crisis worsening, there is fear that the already overworked system will be pushed to its limit. This is indicative that there is a crisis when it comes to supportive housing.

Jamie Messmer is a nurse at ASK Wellness and coordinates the tablet injectable opiate program. The program offers clinics on the North and South shores of Kamloops and is setting up shop in Spero House, where it plans to offer a medicated assisted recovery program.

Messmer is concerned with the housing situation; while the homeless count is known to be approximately 205 individuals, she fears that the number may be higher. While ASK Wellness has operated some warming centers due to the recent cold, these only offer temporary relief – a warm room where individuals can stand around to keep warm.

Messmer agrees that Kamloops is in a housing crisis.

“There’s just not enough housing for people”, she said. “I don’t think there will ever be enough capacity.”

Video Credit: Felix Larouche

Community Implications

Supportive housing has been proven to be effective. A study from May 2021 conducted by BC Housing surveyed Spero House residents, covering topics ranging from general demographics to the outcomes of living at Spero House.

The results speak for themselves. The study found that:

  • 77% of respondents reported improvements to their overall well-being
  • 74% of residents remained housed 6 months in
  • 52% of respondents reported that their living skills have improved

Thanks to on-site nurses and mental health support staff, facilities such as Spero House reduce the strain on a healthcare system that is already overworked.

  • 56% of respondents indicated needing fewer hospital visits
  • 56% of respondents reported they required fewer trips to the emergency room

It is important to note that due to a lack of family doctor availability in Kamloops, some residents have no choice but to visit the hospital for their healthcare needs.

Additionally, residents noted drastic improvements in quality of life:

  • 60% of respondents reported having better access to employment opportunities
  • 62% of respondents reported that their financial situation improved

Other notable trends include improved social connections for residents, increased participation in recreational activities, positive community relations, and improved access to cultural programming.

Click or press on images to expand.

A Way Forward

We recognize that no one suggestion will solve the housing crisis in Kamloops, but based on our research, here are some ideas that may help move us even slightly forward.

Suggestions for improvements include different kinds of housing solutions – some being low barrier, while some being higher barrier. Instead of a “catch-all solution” such as Spero Hosuse, high barrier options may be better suited to those who have hit a rough patch; individuals who don’t use, and who may just be out of a job. Alternatively, low-barrier options could target individuals who may be actively using and may need additional supports to improve their living situation.

“Mixing is not ideal, especially for people who are in recovery”, stated Messmer. 

ASK Wellness does not necessarily serve those who have stable jobs but cannot afford housing; but Messmer noted that they have seen an uptick in individuals who have stopped by, looking for assistance.

The organization always prioritizes local individuals. As an example, someone waiting for services from Kamloops will be prioritized over an individual who may have just come in from another community.