Lack of Funding Forces Inn From the Cold Shelter to Close

A lack of government funding has forced the early closure of the Inn From the Cold homeless shelter in Kelowna.

The agency has announced that on March 1^st, 2015 the shelter will cancel overnight services in order to retain other year round services and programs. The cost of the agency’s programs is supported through grants, donations and organized fundraising events.

“It’s apparent the Kelowna community has a need for housing,” said Mark Dixon, IFTC Chairman of the Board. “So, with our limited funding dollars, our decision is to provide permanent housing year-round, reducing our short-term, temporary housing seasonally, as needed.”

The shelter opened this winter on November 15^th, 2014 and offers a minimal barrier space with 35 beds for those that are the most vulnerable in our community. Without core government funding, this year, IFTC has no option but to cut short their winter shelter season.

“We have done everything possible to avoid closing the shelter, but, unfortunately, we were unable to secure the necessary funding,” said Tara Tschritter, IFTC Agency Coordinator. “I want to express my gratitude to our dedicated staff and volunteers who, from their tremendous effort, have made the shelter operate so well over the last several months.”

The Inn From the Cold Shelter (Photo Credit: IFTC)

Inn From the Cold will continue to offer its other year round programs including Chandler House, Inn Home Support Program, Community Outreach, Free Store and the Kelowna Kodiaks.

“Inn from the Cold is an amazing organisation and I am confident that we will continue to do great things in the coming years,” says Dixon. “We will keep the community updated with any new information.”

Over the coming week, Inn from the Cold – Kelowna’s Outreach team will be working hard with their shelter guests to transition them to housing, connect them with partner community resources and help them meet their other, self-identified needs.