A former fruit warehouse in Kelowna’s north finish will develop into a short lived homeless shelter.
On Wednesday, the province introduced that the constructing at 858 Ellis St. will present round 60 new beds for individuals experiencing homelessness.
The announcement was made along side B.C. Housing, the City of Kelowna and the Kelowna Gospel Mission. The shelter will solely be non permanent 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-site 24 hours a day. Residents shall be offered meals, laundry, safety and assist for well being and wellness.
“Renovations are underway to transform the present constructing right into a shelter and are anticipated to be full in September 2022,” the Ministry of Lawyer Basic stated in a press launch.
A non-profit society, the Kelowna Gospel Mission additionally operates the homeless shelter at 550 Doyle Ave., which will even bear eventual redevelopment.
“B.C. Housing will proceed to work in partnership with the Metropolis of Kelowna to search out appropriate areas for a brand new everlasting shelter and an extra non permanent shelter,” stated the province.
The province famous that in March 2020, there have been at the very least 297 homeless individuals in Kelowna, up 4 per cent from 2018.
One north finish resident, Gary Pearson, requested why is the realm being singled out for homeless shelters.
“It’s simply going to develop into an actual debacle for the individuals who reside within the north finish,” stated Pearson. “My feeling is that is the improper alternative. The Metropolis of Kelowna is kind of massive whenever you consider the geographical expanse of the suburbs, metropolis, and so forth. Discover one other location.”
Ashok Tyagi, who owns Knox Mountain Market, stated the placement is worrying.
Tyagi says theft and security are chief amongst these considerations, as a result of principally senior individuals reside within the space.
In the meantime, Carmen Rempel, the chief director of the Gospel Mission, says the shelter is nice information, as a result of it’s taking individuals off the streets.
“Whether or not you will have all of the compassion on this planet for individuals experiencing homelessness, or whether or not you’re afraid of them and it makes you actually nervous,” stated Rempel, “both method a shelter is an efficient information story for you.
“Shelters imply that we’re taking of us who’re presently experiencing homelessness exterior, the place there’s various unfold throughout the neighbourhood, and we’re bringing them inside the place it’s secure.
“And in order that reduces truly the quantity of affect there’s on the neighborhood.”
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