Photo: Google Earth
The province is opening two homeless support centers in Kelowna in the coming weeks.
On January 25th, an emergency shelter for the homeless will be opened at 1083 Richter Street, the former home of Tree Brewing, managed by the Turning Points Collaborative Society. Until the pandemic is over, it will provide a space for people who need a warm and safe place during the winter months.
The shelter has 38 beds and is open around the clock. It provides guests with meals, showers, laundry, access to social workers, and recommendations on community service and harm reduction services.
“We know there is an urgent need to provide additional accommodation and services to people who are homeless in the community, especially during COVID-19,” said David Eby, attorney general and minister responsible for housing.
“The pandemic has exacerbated the challenges for people in need. I am delighted that the Kelowna residents are ensuring that people in need are supported,” he added.
The province is also working with Metro Community to open a permanent hygiene center in Kelowna at 1262 St. Paul Street, due to open in early February.
It will provide people with laundry facilities, showers and access to harm reduction services.
The hygiene center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will be an integral part of the Metro Community’s drop-in program. The province says hours are expected to be extended from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. if the Welcome Inn on Ellis Street emergency shelter closes on March 31, 2021 as scheduled.
With the new emergency accommodation, a total of around 265 beds are available per night in Kelowna this winter.
Photo: Google Earth
A new homeless shelter opens in downtown Kelowna in the former Tree Brewing home
