Shelter ready for overflow

Photo: Contributed

Emergency weather response in Penticton will take effect Dec. 1 and remain in place until March 31 at the Compass House shelter.

Manager Roger Evans says since a Nov. 15 council discussion regarding the shelter, staff have been working with BC Housing and the city to keep it open through the winter.

The problem of available space was solved when a local church agreed to make its building available as an overflow shelter for homeless unable to get in at Compass House.

“Anyone who finds themselves in need of EWR will be registered at Compass House and will receive a hot meal before allocated a bed for the night," said Evans. "Through a temporary occupant load and change of use approval permit provided by the city, we are able to allow more people in the shelter to feed them before allocating them a bed for the night at an overflow location."

Mayor Andrew Jakubeit is pleased to see that public concerns have been addressed.

"Having a warm place to stay during the winter season for those most vulnerable is critical, and we are thankful BC Housing and Compass House have found a solution," he said.

The temporary measures and demand for the shelter overflow will be reviewed in January.