Temporary shelters to remain open in Kelowna

| March 23, 2022 in Kelowna

Local Community Advertising

People relying on emergency shelter in Kelowna have one less thing to worry about. 

BC Housing is extending the leases on some key winter shelters which had been slated for closure at the end of March.

The announcement means continued shelter for as many as 110 people. 

"We are grateful beyond words," said Kelowna Gospel Mission Executive Director Carmen Rempel. 

The Gospel Mission operates the Doyle Ave. shelter.

"Anxieties have been running high this past month as our residents have been preparing to sleep outside," she said.

"They will be relieved to hear that they will still have a warm bed come April 1."

The Richter St. Shelter will also remain open.

The temporary shelter at the Unitarian Church on St. Paul St. however, will close as planned on March 31.

BC Housing also said that along with the Doyle and Richter Shelters, it is also hoping to extend the leases at various Kelowna hotels which are providing indoor spaces for 82 people. 

It's unclear exactly how many people in Kelowna are experiencing homelessness right now. 

An official count two years ago estimated the number at just under 300.

Local Community Advertising

Trending Stories

BC RCMP warn of bait-and-switch social media scam

Pascale St-Onge warns Facebook it could soon face 'heavy penalties' as feud over news rages on

UPDATE: Hwy 97 now clear between Lake Country and Vernon

Mother and stepfather jailed for 15 years over death of 6-year-old BC boy

BC man airlifted to Calgary hospital after grizzly bear attack in the Kootenays

Watch out for snow on Coquihalla Highway, Okanagan Connector

Full-day closure happening on section of Lakeshore this weekend

'Harassing me': Saskatchewan Speaker says he fears house leader is packing a handgun