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A temporary winter shelter is opening in West Kelowna, giving people experiencing homelessness a place to stay safe and warm.
In partnership with the City of West Kelowna and the West Kelowna Shelter Society, the Province is funding up to 40 new shelter spaces at Westbank United Church, 3672 Brown Rd.
The shelter will be open 24 hours, seven days a week. Shelter guests will have access to laundry, showers and opportunities to meet with representatives from health and other social service agencies.
The new shelter is expected to open by Christmas and will help relieve pressure from four other provincially funded shelters in the Kelowna area, which are running at or near capacity on a nightly basis.
The four shelters include:
* Kelowna's Gospel Mission: 60 beds
* NOW Canada's shelter for women and children: 20 beds
* Cornerstone co-ed shelter: 80 beds
* Inn from the Cold: 35 beds
More temporary shelters and extreme weather shelters may be added throughout the season as needed and where appropriate, says the Ministry of Housing.
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