The Inn from the Cold shelter is pictured in this contributed photo.
Image Credit: Facebook/Inn from the Cold
November 01, 2015 - 1:48 PM
KELOWNA - Kelowna homeless shelter Inn from the Cold officially opened its doors for another season today, Nov. 1.
Inn from the Cold is a charity organization providing overnight shelter to people living on the streets during Kelowna’s coldest winter months.
“Every winter, Inn from the Cold opens to ensure that no one has to sleep outside,” executive director Jan Schulz says. “Our mandate is to provide low-barrier, overnight shelter to the most vulnerable members of our community experiencing homelessness to ensure no one falls between the cracks or is left out in the cold.”
Inn from the Cold has 35 beds and is available to men and women, transgendered, couples, pets, and individuals with various barriers.
The shelter utilizes volunteers from the community to run each year, volunteers who do everything from preparing meals, to setting up the shelter, and providing companionship to the shelter guests.
The shelter is dependant on volunteers, donations and fundraising efforts to cover operating expenses. This season, the shelter is still in need of donations of clothing and toiletries as well as volunteers.
"Inn from the Cold is only able to operate because of the support of a huge number of volunteers. Every year we fill hundreds of volunteer shifts in our shelter and we are so grateful to each and every person who helps us by giving us their time,” boar president Mark Dixon says.
Volunteer application, donation and intake information is available online at www.innfromthecoldkelowna.org or phone 250-448-5153.
The shelter is located at 1157 Sutherland Ave.
Inn from the Cold offers a number of other services and programs, including:
- Chandler House which provides eight permanent, shared accommodation housing for those in the community who have experienced chronic homelessness.
- Inn Home Support Program supports persons who are presently housed in order to maintain their housing and prevent homelessness.
- Outreach and Case Management program provides one-on-one support to individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness with access to housing, medical, and other community resources.
- Free Store provides free items such as clothing, outdoor gear and toiletries to those in need.
- Kelowna Kodiaks provides members of the community an opportunity to participate and benefit from the team-building sport of soccer.
News from © iNFOnews, 2015