New online tool aims to improve shelter access

People without homes in Kelowna now have access to an online resource to help them find shelter beds in the city.

The Central Okanagan Journey Home Society (COJHS) has gone live with the Shelter Dashboard: a joint project with the City of Kelowna aimed at improving access to shelter spaces and social wellness resources in the community.

The dashboard provides updates on the total number of available beds at all shelters in Kelowna. Key information for outreach services available at each site is also listed for the benefit of those not staying in a shelter.

“The shelter dashboard is a much-needed resource in our community, both for those experiencing homelessness and for our partner organizations,” Malcolm Evans, systems planner at COJHS, said. “From the outset of this project, we envisioned a tool with the capacity to reflect real-time changes in resources during both emergencies and normal operations. Timely access to accurate information is a critical component to the success of homelessness services in Kelowna.”

Sue Wheeler, social development manager at the City of Kelowna, said the dashboard is the perfect example of the innovation that can grow by working with the society.

“This tool will help make better use of existing shelter spaces in Kelowna by highlighting availability in real time to ensure all shelters are filled to their capacity. It’s going to mean fewer people are left to shelter outdoors,” Wheeler said.

Kody Woodmass, strategic planning coordinator at the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society, calls it an amazing resource for emergency sheltering and working collaboratively to help those in need.

“Future iterations of the dashboard will allow for real-time data on our shelter availability. Not only will this be critical for frontline staff, but it will also provide data that will be crucial for determining the need for additional funding for housing, shelters, and wrap-around support services,” Woodmass stated.

The dashboard is publicly available and can be accessed at journeyhome.ca under “shelter dashboard.”