A rent bank to help people with no other resources get through an emergency situation is moving forward.

So far, almost $15,000 has been donated by three supporters: the United Way, Interior Savings Centre and Kelson Group.

The bank is being driven by the Kamloops Homelessness Action Plan and is aimed at keeping people in stable housing when a problem arises that threatens their ability to stay there.

HAP co-ordinator Tangie Genshorek said she's trying to get $75,000 for this, the first year.

"We estimate that'll serve 40 families in the first year," she said.

Those who qualify get a loan that covers either one month's rent or backed-up utility bills, she said.

"The idea is to catch people before they slip into a deeper slide of homelessness," said Genshorek.

Most rents will probably amount to about $1,000 or even more, as it's the working poor who are expected to most use the rent bank, she said.

"They do have to pay it back. The interest accrued over the years is returned to them as a savings plan," she said.

Borrowers also take financial management training or are given other services, based on their needs.

"There's a lot of need, for sure. It's a growing demographic, the working poor," she said.

Genshorek said she's hoping to build up the bank so it can provide for all those who get caught short, financially.

"The more we have, the more we can help."