Keeping people alive, warm at core of new temporary Kelowna shelter

• 25 temporary beds
• Not a permanent solution
• Continuing to help as many people as they can

Though a cold snap in the Okanagan is passing, the demand for shelters during the winter remains high.

In an effort to accommodate people experiencing homelessness, the Unitarian Fellowship of Kelowna on Bertram Ave. will now be a temporary overnight shelter.

“We’ve been searching since September for a location because, as we knew, it would get cold, and it always does in Kelowna, and there’s always people outside,” Phil Whatman, Manager of Shelters for Kelowna Gospel Mission, told Kelowna10. “It was the Unitarians that approached us and asked if they could partner in keeping people warm, and we said, ‘heck yeah.’”

The temporary overnight shelter is expected to have up to 25 beds and will look to provide meals.

Whatman said while this is a quick fix, they’re still looking for a much larger permanent base.

“We’re just trying to keep people alive and people warm. Our outdoor count of people outside is rather high compared to last year,” he said. “Once this place closes, where do these people go. And if the contract isn’t renewed at Doyle, then where do those people go. We do need a larger location to house the people.”

Whatman added having these shelters is critical to those who need them.

“Having a place to stay brings that safety for them knowing they don’t have to hide out in the cold. Even with substance abuse, if you were outside, what would be your coping mechanism especially, in minus 20? A lot of it is bringing people in and then having a safe place and reduce some of the use.”

The temporary shelter is set to open Jan. 4, depending on staff availability.