Gospel Mission extends its reach to courtyard

KELOWNA – The Gospel Mission, Kelowna’s single mens shelter, has announced it will build a courtyard next to its Leon Ave. building, with the aim of giving downtown homeless somewhere to go during the day.

“Too often during the day the homeless, due to lack of options, are staying in places that put them at odds with the police, business owners and those who prey on the homeless,” said Gospel Mission executive director Randy Benson, in a press release announcing the project. "Working with all of the groups and businesses represented here today, we have come up with a solution to benefit the homeless and the city of Kelowna.”

Benson was joined by representatives from Kelowna RCMP, the Downtown Kelowna Association, and the Gospel Mission board plus Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran and Coun. Ryan Donn.

The Courtyard Project will see the demolition of a building next to the Gospel Mission and a 2,500 sq. ft. courtyard constructed behind the facade of the current building.

Benson also announced a fund-raising drive where donors can help pay the estimated demolition and construction cost of $32 per sq. ft.

To contact the reporter for this story, email John McDonald at jmcdonald@infonews.ca or call 250-808-0143. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.