Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

This recommendation came primarily from the comments made by those surveyed. It was generally the case that those surveyed felt poorly treated, often by those who were supposed to be helping them. They felt invisible in the community. A greater awareness of the challenges to finding stable employment and housing is needed among community leaders and employers in the region. This could be accomplished through a public awareness campaign or through a community forum.

The lack of affordable housing was a significant barrier to finding stable accommodation for those surveyed. Given that the economy of the South Okanagan relies heavily on access to a flexible pool of labour, having more affordable housing could have many benefits for the economy. This could be accomplished through a small community group or not-for-profit agency working with various levels of government on a housing project. The local agriculture industry could also be engaged in looking at ways to provide safer and more stable accommodation for seasonal workers.

Most of those surveyed were working, but lacked the skills, experience or training to get full time stable employment. Job training could assist many homeless persons in moving to full time stable employment.

While there are many services available in the South Okanagan that could assist homeless persons, there appeared to be little coordination. Some of those surveyed complained of having to ‘jump through many hoops’ to access services. Most service providers do not provide service in French. Service in Spanish may eventually be needed. Better service coordination and the development of a pamphlet or flyer listing the services that are available in both official languages would facilitate better access to services.