These thermal shelters will be hitting the Kelowna streets

It’s by no means the perfect solution, but with lower temperatures on the horizon over the next few weeks, some temporary relief has arrived for those who have no shelter.

The city has launched a new thermal shelter pilot project.

These European manufactured pods are built with insulated foam, are easy to assemble, have multiple ventilations, and can be used for one or two people.

Only 27 are available, some of them for one person, and others for pairs. These units were provided by BC Housing, and are the only shelter of their kind in Canada.

“This is part of our continued strategy at the city to support folks who are experiencing homelessness. It’s one of the tools that we’re launching in addition to other supports,” Community Safety Services Manager Colleen Cornock said. “The warming bus has been utilized in the past, and we continue to work with our community partners to provide warming supplies as well. It certainly speaks to our need and our desire to support our community.”

She said the shelters will be on a first come first serve basis, and the next step is distributing and demonstrating them.

People who receive a temporary shelter must use it at the designated outdoor sheltering site near the intersection of Richter Street and the Rail Trail. They will only be distributed during periods of exceptionally cold weather and people who borrow them must return them when the weather improves.

“It is a pilot project, and we recognize there could be some [physical] damage along the way, that’s to be expected,” Cornock explained. “But if they’re used for their intended purpose, we should be fine. We’ll be monitoring it throughout the program.”

Each one costs between $500 and $700.

Although this isn’t a permanent solution to fix the homeless problem in Kelowna, Cornock said initiatives like this are at the forefront of what the city is trying to do to help.

“We recognize that this is just one of the ways to address the here and now and respond to the need,” she said. “The city continues to advocate with our community partners at a provincial level to advocate for increased housing for all."