Photo: Google Earth

The province is opening two support centres in the coming weeks for people suffering from homelessness in Kelowna.

A temporary shelter managed by Turning Points Collaborative Society is set to open at 1083 Richter Street, the former home of Tree Brewing, on Jan. 25 for people suffering from homelessness. Until the pandemic passes, it will provide a space for people who need somewhere warm and safe to stay during the winter months.

The shelter has 38 beds and will be open 24/7, providing guests with meals, showers, laundry, access to social workers and referrals to community services and harm reduction services.

"We know there's an urgent need to provide additional shelter and services for people experiencing homelessness in the community, especially during COVID-19," says David Eby, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing.

"The pandemic has compounded the challenges faced by vulnerable people, so I'm very pleased to see Kelowna residents ensuring that people in need are supported," he adds.

The Province is also partnering with Metro Community to open a permanent hygiene centre in Kelowna located at 1262 St. Paul Street, scheduled to open in early February.

It will provide people with laundry facilities, showers, and access to harm reduction services.

The hygiene centre will be open daily from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. and will be a permanent site, part of Metro Community's drop-in program. The province says hours will likely be extended from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. when the Welcome Inn emergency shelter on Ellis St. closes, as scheduled on March 31, 2021.

With the new temporary shelter, there will be a total of approximately 265 beds available on a nightly basis this winter in Kelowna.

Photo: Google Earth

A new homeless shelter is opening downtown Kelowna at the former home of Tree Brewing