Relief on the way for West Kelowna homeless population

KELOWNA – The First United Church in West Kelowna will open a 40-bed homeless shelter by Christmas.

Located at 3672 Brown Rd. it will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provide access to laundry, showers and a chance to meet with representatives from health and social service agencies, states a B.C. Government news release

A previous shelter at Emmanuel Church in West Kelowna was not able to continue operating so this is the only option for the homeless in that area, other than crossing the Bennett Bridge to Kelowna with its four shelters, which are near or at full capacity.

The new shelter is being set up through a joint effort by the province, City of West Kelowna and West Kelowna Shelter Society, according to the news release.

The four shelters in Kelowna include the Gospel Mission with 60 beds, NOW Canada's shelter for women and children with 20 beds, Cornerstone co-ed shelter with 80 beds and the Inn From the Cold with 35 beds, although it is scheduled to close Jan. 7.

More temporary shelters and extreme weather shelters may be added throughout the season as needed and where appropriate, the province says.

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