The B.C. government is providing $22,000 in funding to allow the temporary winter shelter operated by Inn from the Cold to remain open until the end of March.

The organization recently announced it was closing the shelter early due to a lack of funding from other sources. As a result, the Province provided this one-time funding assistance.

The shelter, at 1157 Sutherland Ave. in Kelowna, provides 35 beds for those that are homeless and other services including a warm meal, shower and laundry facilities. The Inn from the Cold supports the shelter operations through fundraising and donations.

The Province also funds 60 shelter beds at the Kelowna Gospel Mission and 20 beds at the Alexandra Gardner Women and Children Safe Centre.

The B.C. government recently provided $60,000 to the Inn from the Cold to complete much-need renovations at Chandler Street House, an eight bed supportive-housing building for homeless men.

Quotes:

Rich Coleman, Minister of Natural Gas Development and Minister Responsible for Housing -

“Inn from the Cold’s staff and volunteers have demonstrated compassion that’s appreciated by everyone who has used their services and the provincial government is pleased to provide funding for the shelter to continue operating this year. I’ve asked BC Housing to meet with the group to discuss how we can work together to assist homeless individuals in the community.”

Steve Thomson, MLA for Kelowna-Mission, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations -

“The Province recognizes the needs of the homeless in Kelowna and this additional funding will enable Inn from the Cold to provide safe, warm accommodation and help their clients connect to community resources and permanent housing.”

Norm Letnick, MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country, Minister of Agriculture -

“These 35 beds provide safe protection from the elements, and a helping hand to those in need in our community. The staff at Inn from the Cold also provide other helpful services that make a real difference in people’s lives.”

Mark Dixon, chairman of the board, Inn from the Cold -

“It’s with heartfelt thanks from our staff and volunteers that the Sutherland Avenue shelter will be able to remain open until March 31. We know that when vulnerable people who are homeless are treated with compassion and dignity, and have their basic needs for shelter and warmth met, they can then start their personal journey from homelessness to recovery and independence.”

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $4 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families. This year, nearly 100,000 B.C. households will benefit from provincial social housing programs and services.
• Last year, the B.C. government invested over $10.6 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for 3,000 households in Kelowna.
• Inn from the Cold-Kelowna responds to the needs of people who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness in a welcoming, compassionate and mutually respectful manner. What started as a volunteer-run, 35-bed winter emergency shelter 15 years ago, the agency has developed into a registered charity providing various support programs to people in the community of Kelowna.

Learn More:

For more information on affordable housing programs and the province’s efforts to end homelessness in B.C., please visit: www.housingmattersbc.ca/factsheets.html and www.bchousing.org

Find out more about the Province’s housing investments in the Interior: www.housingmattersbc.ca/docs/fs_Interior_Region.pdf

For more information on Inn from the Cold, visit: www.innfromthecoldkelowna.org

Media Contacts:

Elaine McKay
BC Housing
778 452-6476