Funding crunch closes shelter

Photo: Contributed

Update: Feb. 25

Kelowna’s Gospel Mission and NOW Canada have the room to shelter the 35 people who are

presently staying at Inn From the Cold, after the non-profit closes its doors on March 1.

Both emergency shelters have beds available as well as mats for overflow and do not anticipate turning anyone away.

Inn From the Cold is being forced to close its doors early this year.

A lack of funding will close the shelter's overnight services as of March 1.

By cancelling the service, Inn From the Cold will be able to retain other year-round programs and continue to support those most at risk for homelessness.

“It’s apparent the Kelowna community has a need for housing,” says board chairman Mark Dixon. “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 organization's programs are supported through grants, donations, fundraising events, in-kind donations and volunteers.

“We have done everything possible to avoid closing the shelter, but, unfortunately, we were unable to secure the necessary funding,” says agency co-ordinator Tara Tschritter. “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.”

Inn From the Cold aims to provide overnight shelter to people living on the streets during Kelowna’s coldest winter months. This winter, the shelter opened on Nov. 15, offering minimal barrier shelter with 35 beds serving the most vulnerable homeless members of the community.

Now, without core government funding, this year, the agency says it has no other option but to cut short its winter shelter season.

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

During the coming week, the inn's outreach team will work with shelter guests, to transition them to housing, connect them with partner community resources and help them meet self-identified needs.

The organization will still be able to provide the following programs:

• Chandler House – providing eight individuals, permanent supportive housing for those in the community who have experienced chronic homelessness.
• Inn Home Support Program – a homeless prevention program that supporting persons who have found housing
• Community Outreach – connecting someone experiencing homelessness with an outreach worker 
• Free Store – providing free items such as clothing, outdoor gear and toiletries to those in need
• Kelowna Kodiaks – providing the homeless and marginalised members of the community an opportunity to participate and benefit from the team-building sport of soccer

The charitable organization says it will continue to seek funding opportunities, in-kind donations and participation from the community through fundraising initiatives like the Dining Out to End Homelessness dinner series and the Push To End Homelessness shopping cart race.

Information and tickets are available online at www.innfromthecoldkelowna.org or phone 250-448-5153.