More people experiencing homelessness in Kelowna will soon have a safe and warm space to stay as the Province is partnering with a new service provider to open a temporary shelter for people in need.

Forty people who have been accepted into under-construction supportive housing will soon be moving into temporary bridge housing, making way for more people experiencing homelessness to access shelter spaces.

Morning begins with the clattering, whirring sounds of tools and mechanical equipment ringing out across the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) campus on the edge of the Okanagan valley.

Responding to the need for more supportive housing in Kelowna, a new project in Rutland will provide safe and secure homes for people experiencing homelessness, as well as young people who are struggling to find suitable housing.

The Province is working with the City of Kelowna and community partners to continue Cornerstone shelter operations at 425 Leon Ave. to help people experiencing homelessness while permanent housing options are built.

In response to the urgent need for shelter, the Province, with the support of the City of Kelowna, has extended operations of the Cornerstone temporary shelter until June 2019.

Responding to the extreme cold weather conditions, the Province is funding 20 new shelter spaces so people experiencing homelessness will have a warm place to stay.