Former fruit warehouse in Kelowna’s north end to become temporary homeless shelter – Okanagan

A former fruit warehouse in Kelowna’s north end will become a temporary homeless shelter.

On Wednesday, the province introduced that the constructing at 858 Ellis St. will present round 60 new beds for folks experiencing homelessness.

The announcement was made in conjunction with B.C. Housing, the City of Kelowna and the Kelowna Gospel Mission. The shelter will solely be temporary for the reason that property is slated to be redeveloped.

The province says Kelowna Gospel Mission will function the shelter and can have workers on-website 24 hours a day. Residents will probably be supplied meals, laundry, safety and help for health and wellness.

“Renovations are underway to convert the existing building into a shelter and are expected to be complete in September 2022,” the Ministry of Attorney General mentioned in a press launch.

A non-revenue society, the Kelowna Gospel Mission additionally operates the homeless shelter at 550 Doyle Ave., which may also endure eventual redevelopment.

“B.C. Housing will continue to work in partnership with the City of Kelowna to find suitable locations for a new permanent shelter and an additional temporary shelter,” mentioned the province.

The province famous that in March 2020, there have been at the very least 297 homeless folks in Kelowna, up 4 per cent from 2018.

One north end resident, Gary Pearson, requested why is the realm being singled out for homeless shelters.

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“It’s just going to become a real debacle for the people who live in the north end,” mentioned Pearson. “My feeling is this is the wrong choice. The City of Kelowna is quite large when you think of the geographical expanse of the suburbs, city, etc. Find another location.”

Ashok Tyagi, who owns Knox Mountain Market, mentioned the placement is worrying.

Tyagi says theft and security are chief amongst these issues, as a result of largely senior folks stay in the realm.

Meanwhile, Carmen Rempel, the manager director of the Gospel Mission, says the shelter is nice news, as a result of it’s taking folks off the streets.

“Whether you have all the compassion in the world for people experiencing homelessness, or whether you’re terrified of them and it makes you really nervous,” mentioned Rempel, “both manner a shelter is an efficient news story for you.

“Shelters imply that we’re taking people who’re at present experiencing homelessness exterior, the place there’s numerous unfold throughout the neighbourhood, and we’re bringing them inside the place it’s secure.

“And so that reduces actually the amount of impact there is on the community.”