Kelowna homeless shelter Inn From The Cold says it will open for another winter season helping the homeless in the Central Okanagan on November 1.
Inn from the Cold Kelowna (IFTC) 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 Kelowna opens to ensure that no one has to sleep outside,” said Jan Schulz, IFTC Executive Director. “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.”
IFTC has 35 beds and is available to men and women, transgendered, couples, pets, and individuals with various barriers. The IFTC 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 (clothing & 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,” said Mark Dixon, IFTC Board President.
The IFTC volunteer application, donation and intake forms can be found online at www.innfromthecoldkelowna.org or phone 250-448-5153. IFTC shelter is located at 1157 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna.
IFTC offers a number of other services and programs, including:
·Chandler House – providing eight permanent, shared accommodation housing for those in the community who have experienced chronic homelessness.
·Inn Home Support Program – supporting persons who are presently housed in order to maintain their housing and prevent homelessness.
·Outreach& Case Management – providing one on one support to individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness with access to housing, medical, and other community resources. Free Store – providing free items such as clothing, outdoor gear and toiletries to those in need
·Kelowna Kodiaks – providing members of the community an opportunity to participate and benefit from the team-building sport of soccer.
