‘Immense’ ongoing efforts to house people during winter

• More beds at shelters, some remain empty
• Not much space to expand shelters
• Lots of groups provide services during winter

As the temperature dips below freezing, finding warmth and shelter can be a struggle for people experiencing homelessness.

It can quickly become a limb and life-threatening situation, according to Carmen Rempel, Executive Director at Kelowna’s Gospel Mission.

“That’s our biggest challenge, how to get people inside. Especially people who have very complex needs,” she told Kelowna10.

While shelters expand capacity over the winter, many people still find themselves sleeping outside for several reasons, she said.

“We actually have quite a few beds and some of those beds remain empty,” she said. “The answer for it is very complex. Those who are out on the streets right now face many challenges, many with significant mental health challenges.”

Some, she said, face relationship troubles. Others pose a risk to safety at the shelter.

Rempel said it’s tough to find more space for shelters as there are not many industrial-sized properties whose landlords are willing to rent them out for shelter space.

“Mission Group are our best friends providing the space for the Doyle shelter, and there’s other really fantastic owners who have stepped up to the plate, but they are the rarity.”

Further compounding the problem is the ongoing lack of affordable housing in Kelowna. For some, one bad month or a missed paycheque could see them on the street.

“It’s crisis level in this city,” Rempel explained.

While it can be a struggle to keep people warm, Rempel said there are lots of agencies working hard to support those in need.

This includes groups like the Kelowna RCMP who provide tents and sleeping bags for people outside. Officers also often transport clients to the shelter.

“There’s an immense effort to get people inside if they’re willing to come inside,” she said.

For those who want to help, she encouraged donations to Kelowna’s Gospel Mission. She also called on people to have compassion and “to understand that everybody has a story, and you don’t know what that story is.”