Fundraiser Shines Spotlight on Shelter for Homeless Youth in Kelowna

Toque Tuesday fundraiser at the Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs' Youth Shelter. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow)

When people think of homelessness, they often forget to think about the youth needing shelter in Kelowna.

On Tuesday, the Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs joined in with Raising the Roof's national Toque Tuesday fundraiser, raising awareness about youth at-risk in the heart of downtown Kelowna. Volunteers sold toques and warm socks at the downtown Youth Shelter on Richter Street, teaching those passing by about how many teens are in need of such items in Kelowna.

From the proceeds of the event, 80 per cent went to the shelter and the different programs for youth at-risk in Kelowna, while 20 per cent went to Raising the Roof's national initiatives to find long-term solutions to homelessness.

The Boys and Girls Club says that in Kelowna alone, an estimated 625 people are homeless. Of these people, over 100 are youth.

The wall where shelter workers mark incidents where youth have been "caught" doing good things. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow)

The Youth Shelter supports youth at-risk through recreation programs and their temporary emergency shelter for teens aged 13 to 18 years old. This shelter is the only youth shelter between Calgary and Vancouver, filling an important need in the area. As Community Engagement Coordinator Richelle Leckey says for the Okanagan Boys and Girls Club, “There are kids on the streets that need a place to be, sadly.”

The shelter has two dorms with 10 beds, six for male and four for females. The occupancy for these beds can vary a lot, but there's an average of about five teens a night. However, Centre Director Sarah McKinnon says that for three months, the shelter had 10 kids every night.

“We're here to offer a safe space for kids who need it,” says McKinnon. “For kids who are not welcome to stay home, have been kicked out of their home, or have fallen out of their housing for whatever reason, we offer a space.” Teens can get dinner, and then hang out with staff at the facility using the different art supplies, games, and other activities. “The staff are here to build relationships with them, figure out what they need and get them connected.”

Four of the beds in the male dorm room. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow)

“We do our best to fulfill the role that their family fills with keeping a healthy lifestyle and a regular routine,” says McKinnon. “That's not always possible for all the kids staying in the shelter, but we do our best to connect them with what they need.” The building is open close to 24 hours on the weekdays, but they only have the funding to be open at night on the weekends.

Those at the shelter are passionate about what they do. “I love my job,” says McKinnon. “I think it's important and I feel really grateful that I'm the person who gets to come here and do this every day.”

Centre Director Sarah McKinnon admiring the artwork made by the teens. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow)

To help out, you can always donate the clothing, books, art supplies, or monetary donations to the shelter. Of course, you can also donate your time, as volunteers are a huge part of the program. Finally, you can contact the Boys and Girls Club about sponsoring the program.

Since the shelter opened in 2005, it has helped more than 700 individual teens, served more than 7000 meals, and provided close to 12,000 emergency overnight stays.