Inn From the Cold housing program closes its doors

The Inn From the Cold (IFTC) non-profit provides a wide variety of services to people in Kelowna who need a hand up. The non-profit provides shelter, meals and access to various resources in the community.

IFTC relies on funding from local residents and businesses. However, after falling short on funding, one of their programs will cease to exist this summer.

Due to a lack of funding, the Chandler Street housing program will be closing on June 30th after its’ lease expires.

“We find ourselves in a very difficult situation and, due to a loss of funding, we are unable to continue to lease the Chandler House,” explained Jan Schulz, Executive Director of IFTC.

The Chandler Street housing program began in 2014 and provided low-barrier, shared accommodation for eight men who have experienced chronic homelessness.

IFTC adopted the Housing First Approach philosophy for this program. The program emphasized the idea that providing housing is the first step to transitioning out of homelessness, not the last.

“We are committed to keeping our residents housed and our immediate goal is to find an alternative housing solution so no one is left out on the street.”

The Chandler House funding of $66,000 was discontinued as of March 31st, 2017.

“We’ve done everything we can to stretch our dollars, but this is a significant loss of funding to our already limited budget,” said Schulz.

“We continue to advocate for permanent, sustainable government funding and seek new opportunities for supportive housing, as well as collaborate with other organizations with a similar vision to end homelessness," said Mark Dixon, IFTC Chairman of the Board.

IFTC is currently operating at limited capacity.