At The Access Centre, we see every day how stable housing changes lives. A safe place to call home isn’t just about having a roof over your head. It’s about having a foundation for hope, healing, and well-being. 

Albert (name changed for privacy) came to the Access Centre with no connections to friends, family, or community. He had been houseless for over five years in the Okanagan and hadn’t had a place to call his own for more than a decade. Albert shared that most nights were filled with fear, unsure if someone might harm him or take advantage of a senior living on the streets. 

We assisted with a supportive living application and conducted a vulnerability assessment interview, which was submitted to BC Housing. Albert shared that throughout his life, no one had truly believed him when he said he needed help—but at the Access Centre, we did.

With our support, Albert now has a home of his own, a doctor, psychiatrist, counselor, case manager, and access to all necessary medications. He continues to focus on his wellness and is excited to reconnect with family and friends, eager to show them the progress he has made.

When Housing Feels Uncertain, Everything Feels Uncertain

It’s important to remember that many people, just like Albert, are just one paycheck away from homelessness. It can take a car breaking down, an unexpected vet bill, or a sudden medical expense to push someone into housing instability. The latest Point in Time report published by BC Housing backs this up, showing that the top reason for housing loss is not having enough income (33% of unhoused respondents in Penticton).

When you’re worried about where you’ll sleep tonight or how you’ll pay rent next month, it’s incredibly hard to focus on recovery, employment, or connection. Housing instability often leads to chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. Even short-term periods without a home can deeply affect a person’s sense of safety, dignity, and self-worth.

It is very difficult to focus on anything bigger when even basic needs aren’t being met. Psychologist Abraham Maslow described human needs as a hierarchy — from the most basic (food, water, shelter) to higher-level needs like belonging, self-esteem, and personal growth.

When someone doesn’t have safe, stable housing, it’s nearly impossible to focus on anything higher up the pyramid. Without shelter, the mind is in survival mode. With stability, people finally have the space to breathe, recover, connect, and heal.

The Vicious Cycle

Poor mental health can make it harder to maintain stable housing and unstable housing can worsen mental health. Without support, people can become trapped in this cycle. It’s not about personal failure; it’s about the systems and barriers that make it difficult to get ahead once you’ve fallen behind.

Penticton and the South Okanagan, like most communities, simply don’t have enough affordable or supportive housing units. Waitlists can stretch for months or even years. During that time, people’s mental health often declines, making it even harder to stay stable or meet the conditions required for housing.

This is why it’s so important to see housing not just as an economic issue, but as a health issue.

When people have a place to call home, they have the space to breathe, rest, and plan for the future. We’ve seen incredible changes when someone finally secures safe, affordable housing:

• Their anxiety begins to ease.
• Their sleep improves.
• They reconnect with family, community, and care.
• They can focus on treatment, education, or work.

Simply put: housing heals.

How We Help

At The Access Centre, we walk alongside people through each step: from completing housing applications and connecting to rent subsidies, to advocating for accessibility and fairness. We also work closely with community partners, because housing stability is rarely achieved alone. With this team effort, we help people rebuild a sense of control and dignity.

We also help keep people housed, by connecting them with income supports that they are eligible for, and ensuring people know their rights as tenants.

What You Can Do

Our vision is a community where everyone has access to safe housing, the support they need, and the opportunity to thrive. Stable housing and mental wellness aren’t just individual goals, they’re community responsibilities. Everyone has a role to play in making this vision a reality:

• Learn about local affordable housing initiatives and share resources with those who need them.
• Support organizations that provide rent supplements, crisis support, or mental health services. Every contribution makes a difference.
• Speak up about the need for compassionate, long-term housing solutions in your community and with local leaders.

If you or someone you know is struggling with housing or mental health challenges, please reach out. You don’t have to face it alone. Our team is here to listen, support, and guide you toward options that can make a real difference.

? The Penticton Access Centre
We’re here to help connect you with the support you need from housing and benefits to mental health resources and advocacy.

Visit us at www.accesscentre.org or call 250-493-6822