History of Turning Points

Turning Points Collaborative Society (then a chapter of the John Howard Society) was founded by Bill Hesketh. The services the society offered were designed to support transient men and parolees. The organization was originally based out of Kelowna. 

Bill Hesketh, was officially hired and case management services began.  

Howard House hostel (for transient men) opened in Vernon at the Topping family farmhouse.

The Howard House hostel burnt down. Residents were temporarily housed at Camp Hurlburt on Lake Okanagan, owned by Trinity United Church. While there, the men built a chapel.  

Howard House re-opened at a new location near Vernon Hospital. A number of rooms were dedicated to addictions recovery.

Howard Industries started. This progressive social enterprise provided meaningful employment opportunities for Howard House residents in forestry, agriculture, and animal husbandry. Howard Industries continues to provide meaningful employment opportunities for Turning Points’ clients though now they are mostly in maintenance and culinary arts.

Howard House programming expanded to include a large community garden and a shelter for abandoned kittens – both run by parolees. 

First employment program began – the Workfirst program.

Three violent incidents involving former Howard House residents occurred. In one of these incidents, a local senior, Bill Abramenko, was murdered. This led to major organizational changes, including the resignation of the Executive Director and a shift away from working with parolees. 

Rooms that previously housed parolees were re-assigned to men who had insecure housing.  

Began offering services to women. The first gender-inclusive shelter, Gateway Support Services, opened.   

The first Homeless Outreach worker was hired to work with landlords and those seeking affordable housing.  

Homeless prevention program started. Part of this programs’ mandate is to provide support to women fleeing domestic violence. 

Bill’s Place, a recovery house named after Bill Hesketh (the organization’s founder), opened. This program provides addictions recovery services to people in a sober living environment. 

Intervention services program started.   

Employment office opened (in partnership with WorkBC). This program offers specialized support to clients facing multiple barriers to employment. 

A large office space was generously donated by Mike and Beverly Davies.

Supportive Housing Program started. Blair apartments opened.

Haven Place opened in Vernon.  This sober living program provides affordable supportive housing.

Creekside Harm Reduction program began. This was an addictions recovery program. 

Ended affiliation with John Howard Society and renamed Turning Points Collaborative Society.

My Place, supportive housing program in Vernon opened its doors.  Services include access to proper meals, a health navigation team, and other ongoing supports. All programs running at Howard House are transferred over to this new location.  

Cammy La Fleur Street Outreach Program started. This program is designed to improve people’s health, and help those who have, or who are at risk of getting, blood borne pathogens.  

Due to conditions created by COVID-19 two of Turning Points Collaborative Society’s Vernon shelters (Gateway Shelter and Our Place Shelter) merged into one, becoming the Temporary Amalgamated Shelter.  

 Turning Points Collaborative Society began offering Bridge housing in West Kelowna to support those who were most at risk during the pandemic.  

West Kelowna outreach program started. Among other services this program provides meals, harm reduction, and hygiene supplies, ongoing support. It’s primary focuses are homelessness prevention, shelter diversion, and rapid resolution. 

Turning Point staff say a tearful goodbye to Howard House as the building is demolished. The facility had fallen into disrepair and programming was no longer being held there.   

Interim housing in West Kelowna opens to meet the needs of unhoused people who are at risk during the pandemic.  

Pivot Housing opens in Vernon. These six homes contain single occupancy units. One of these homes is specifically designated to house women.  

Bartley Road Temporary Shelter opens in West Kelowna.

Turning Points purchases Hillside Apartments and Cedar Park in Enderby which will protect affordable housing stock in the North Okanagan.

In January, Turning Points is entrusted with ownership and operations of Pioneer Place in Enderby.  This 55+ site is an affordable housing property.

In February, Turning Points purchases Hillside Apartments in Enderby.  A 19 unit affordable housing property.

In January of 2023, Turning Points officially opens the doors to The Crossings, a twin building to My Place which consists of 52 units of supportive housing in Vernon.

In May of 2023, we assume operations of Columbus Village in Kelowna – a 40 unit affordable housing property.