The Gospel Mission is located on Leon Avenue in Kelowna's downtown core. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com)
The heavy smoke that is blanketing Kelowna is hard enough to deal with for people who have access to indoor, air-conditioned spaces; but for the city’s homeless, it is almost inescapable.
That’s why Kelowna's Gospel Mission will be open around the clock until conditions improve.
“We feel the need to give our homeless a place to go 24/7 while the smoke is here,” said Executive Director Randy Benson, “and as a result are opening our doors. . . . .with affordable housing difficult to find, Kelowna’s Gospel Mission is the only option for some people.”
The Gospel Mission's 94 beds have been almost full each night this season, and, since the smoke rolled in on Saturday, the Shelter has been seeing higher numbers than ever of clients who are experiencing difficulty breathing, headaches, and sore eyes.
The Mission has also been serving about 550 meals per day, and donations of time and money have allowed it to continue running even while renovations are ongoing to expand its space on Leon Avenue.
The Shelter is grateful for ongoing support and welcomes new volunteers. People can connect with them via their website, at www.kelownagospelmission.ca
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