Temporary shelters opening for unhoused in Kelowna

Over 260 shelter spaces for the unhoused are opening in Kelowna this winter.

The province has announced a total of 268 local temporary and permanent shelter spaces to offer a warm and safe indoor options for people experiencing homelessness in the area.

The local spaces include:

• Richter Street Shelter, 1083 Richter St. – 48 temporary spaces
• Cornerstone Shelter, 425 Leon Ave. – 80 temporary spaces
• Bay Avenue Shelter, 858 Ellis St. – 60 temporary spaces
• Kelowna Gospel Mission, 251 Leon Ave. – 60 permanent spaces
• Alexandra Gardner Safe Centre, 2609 Richter St. – 20 permanent spaces

The temporary shelters will be open every night during winter, while the permanent shelters will remain open every night throughout the year.

The local spaces are among more than 4,900 shelter spots opening in 50 communities throughout B.C.

Spaces are also being offered at the Emerald Centre, Merit Place Shelter, Moira House, Mustard Seed Shelter (women only) and Stuart Wood in Kamloops.

Through B.C. Housing, the provincial government is funding these winter shelters, which are operated by local community and non-profit groups.

Additionally, the province has provided guidelines through Emergency Management B.C. for local government and First Nations to receive reimbursements for warming centres during extreme weather events.