New 60 bed shelter opens in Kelowna

People experiencing homelessness in the Central Okanagan have a new shelter option.

A new, 60 bed, year-round shelter has opened in Kelowna.

“These new shelter spaces will provide 60 people in Kelowna with a bed and supports to help them stay safe, warm and fed, while we continue to work with our partners to open permanent supportive housing across the city,” said Murray Rankin, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing.

“These new homes will make a significant difference in people’s lives. The whole community will benefit when those in need receive the supports they need to rebuild their lives.”

The Bay Avenue shelter, located at 858 Ellis St., is the result of a collaboration between the B.C. government, through B.C. Housing. and Kelowna Gospel Mission.

The new facility replaces the 60-unit shelter on Doyle Ave. that was shuttered in July.

The Bay Avenue shelter has 60 individual sleeping pods, shared washrooms, storage spaces and other amenities. People using the shelter will be able to access daily hot meals, laundry services and security. Support will also be provided to individuals seeking to access health and wellness services, with staff working on the site 24/7.

The shelter will operate until the end of next March.

Kelowna Gospel Mission (KGM), a non-profit housing provider, will operate the Bay Avenue Shelter.

KGM also currently manages the shelter on Leon Ave., and previously managed the Doyle Ave. facility.

“This shelter is one piece of a large system of supports that various service providers work together to create in our city,” said Carmen Rempel, executive director of KGM.

“We are eager to bring 60 people off of the streets of our city and one step closer to being housed.”

The point-in-time count from March of 2020 identified at least 297 people experiencing homelessness in Kelowna, an increase of 4 per cent from the 2018 count.