Making strides towards addressing homelessness in Kelowna

Community is the answer to homelessness, according to Carmen Rempel.

And to see the community converge downtown Saturday afternoon for the Kelowna Gospel Mission’s (KGM) Strides Walk, is a step in the right direction.

“Events like this are so heartwarming for myself, for our teams who are out there doing this work, fighting this uphill battle against homelessness everyday, so see the community come out and support like this, it really is uplifting for all of us,” the KGM executive director told Kelowna10.

The day saw over 180 walkers and runners traverse two, five, or 10 kilometres throughout the city as part of the 12th annual fundraising event.

Rempel said the organization hoped to collect $70,000 this year.

The money goes to fund KGM programs, be it the women’s homes, dental clinic, and street outreach teams.

“Homelessness exists at the intersection of financial poverty and social poverty,” she said, urging people to give financially, if able, or by simply looking out for one another. “Community matters. Take care of your neighbours. Take care of your family. Take care of your friends. Check up on each other.”