Cookie’s Place helping 55+ seniors with affordable housing

KAMLOOPS — Carrie Stanhope has many reasons to be hopeful. She has just moved into her new home at Cookie’s Place, a 36-unit affordable seniors housing complex in Aberdeen.

“I came from not having a home,” said Stanhope. “ASK [Wellness] has supported me through so much. When I got this opportunity, it really changed a lot for me.”

Stanhope was at one time on the streets, entrenched in addiction. An accountant by trade, she lost everything. However, she got the help she needed from ASK Wellness and is now back on her feet, and in fact is working with the organization at its mattress recycling facility.

“It really wasn’t until I started working for ASK and got the support. [Chief operations officer] Kim [Galloway] has been wonderful. She’s been really good. She saved my life,” said Stanhope as she wiped tears from her face.

Carrie moved from the Maverick Manor next door right into Cookie’s Place. She pays $375 a month, as does Ken Robar, who’s thrilled with his new place.

Robar says he’s been in and out of hospital over the last few years with mental health issues, including self harm. ASK Wellness got him a place on Carson Cresent, where he felt unsafe. At Cookie’s Place, he feels right at home.

Ken Robar lives at Cookie’s Place (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

“ASK Wellness is the best part of the community,” says Robar. “They go out of their way to make sure you’re safe, which is really good because that’s what we need. We need more people like that here.”

As for the person who’s name is on the building, Cookie Reimer is overwhelmed to have the building named after her. However, more important than the recognition, the building is serving a purpose and will leave a legacy.

“It’s so lasting,” she said. “In 2003, I was named a Women of Distinction for the YMCA…There’s quite a big hoopla, but then after it’s done and the next year they [choose] somebody else. But this is going to be super awesome.”

For the last three decades, Cookie has had a hand in making people’s lives better, volunteering with ASK Wellness.

“Love of people. I like helping, I like feeding them mostly, and that’s what I’ve done for all these years,” she said.

For Stanhope, she owes a lifetime of gratitude to ASK Wellness for helping turn her life around.

“They’ve offered me support to the point where I could get my addiction under control. Housing. Employment. Look where I am today.”

Cookie’s Place in Aberdeen opened Feb. 1 (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

There are still five units available for lower-income individuals or couples that are 55 years or older. The units are $850 plus utilities for individuals and $900 plus utilities for couples.

Anyone interested needs to register with BC Housing or contact Leanne at ASK Wellness at 250-571-9105.