Kelowna’s Inn From the Cold will remain in its current location for an extra month, but the shelter’s future beyond that date remains uncertain.
“No new locations have surfaced despite tremendous support from the media in getting our message out about the need for new space,” said Executive Director Jan Schulz in a press release.
The emergency shelter houses more than 40 of the city’s homeless and operators warn that the closure will worsen Kelowna’s much criticized homelessness situation.
“We’ve been granted a bit of a reprieve, and for that we are most grateful. We remain optimistic that new space will be found, but if not, Kelowna’s population of those living rough on the streets will spike by 25% come November 1.”
According to Inn From the Cold, numerous suitable locations have been identified, but the shelter's potential impact on the surrounding area continues to be a point of contention with space owners.
The Inn says its preferred location would be a 2500 square foot or larger warehouse-type facility with one large open room, preferably in an industrial part of town away from downtown.
Anyone who thinks they can help Inn From the Cold find a new home is asked to contact Jan Shultz at jan@innfromthecoldkelowna.org.
The shelter will be hosting its seventh annual ‘Push to End Homelessness’ this Saturday, Sept. 29, when an Amazing Race style fundraising event will take place from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Kerry Park in downtown Kelowna.
To learn more about the fundraising event, click here.
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