Shelter is temporary housing for people who are homeless or experiencing housing instability. While in shelter, clients have access to case planning, referrals to other programs and services, laundry, showers, and meal services. Shelter services are provided free of charge.
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The purpose of the Shelter Hub is to address the inflow of clients into the homeless sector system of care. Shelter diversion is practiced upon client engagement. Diversion targets people who have already lost their housing and are seeking shelter admission, or are staying outside. Whenever it is safe and appropriate to do so, diversion services will help individuals, couples, and families not enter the shelter system. The diversion practice will first assist individuals in finding alternatives to the shelter system. When alternatives are unavailable, the team will determine the best shelter placement for individuals, considering history within shelters, medical complexities, as well as shelter specializations.
The Shelter Hub is a collaborative effort with other associations within our region including Now Canada Society, Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna, Metro Community Church Kelowna, and Okanagan Regional Library.
The Shelter Hub assists with:
- Navigating Systems
- Connecting with Natural Supports
- In-Home Supports
Locations in Kelowna, West Kelowna, Vernon:
- Kelowna: Tuesday-Friday 10am-3pm at Metro Community 1262 St. Paul Street. Contact: 236-457-2460 or 250-258-2328
- West Kelowna: Tuesday – Saturday 9am-5pm at Bartley Court Shelter 2515 Bartley Court. Contact Geoff at 250-306-8666 or [email protected]
- Vernon: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 11am-3pm at Gateway Services Building, 2800 33rd Street AND Thursdays 10am-2pm at Vernon Okanagan Regional Library, 2800 30th Avenue. Contact: Kiana at 250-309-1121 or [email protected]
Eligibility: Anyone over the age of 19 who is facing barriers to housing or experiencing homelessness.
For More Information Please Contact:
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Vernon’s Emergency Shelter provides temporary housing for individuals experiencing homelessnes. This shelter provides space for 60 clients.
Location: 2506 37th Street, Vernon
Operating hours: 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Eligibility: Anyone over the age of 19 who is facing barriers to housing or experiencing homelessness.
In order to stay at the shelter, people must be willing to follow the house rules including no bullying and good neighbourliness. Amongst other things, good neighbourliness includes a willingness to participate in the upkeep and overall cleanliness of the indoor and outdoor space including the areas immediately surrounding the shelter.
Free Services Provided: While staying at the shelter, residents can access life skills training, employment programs, counselling, harm reduction supplies, 12-step groups, case planning, referrals, laundry, showers, meal services, health and legal services.
Additional Information:
- There are no fees to stay at the shelter.
- This facility is funded by BC Housing.
- This shelter is the amalgamation of Gateway Shelter and Our Place shelter.
Registration: In-person registration takes place at 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, and 6 pm. Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis and is dependent on bed availability.
For More Information Please Contact: (250) 241-2217
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The Richter Street Shelter is an all-gender inclusive facility that houses up to 48 residents and provides temporary housing for individuals experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. This shelter also has 3 emergency mats in the event of fire or extreme weather.
The shelter’s layout provides adequate space to practice social distancing, and numerous COVID safety protocols are in place to protect residents and reduce the risk of spread.
Location: 1083 Richter Street, Kelowna
Operating Hours: 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Eligibility: Anyone over the age of 19 who is facing barriers to housing or experiencing homelessness.
Everyone who stays at the shelter is expected to follow house rules including good neighbourliness. Amongst other things, good neighbourliness includes a willingness to participate in the upkeep and overall cleanliness of the indoor and outdoor space including the areas immediately surrounding the shelter.
Free Services Provided: While staying in the shelter residents can access case planning, referrals, as well as a resource room, laundry, showers, meal services, and harm reduction services.
Additional Information: There is no fee to stay at the shelter. This shelter is funded by BC Housing.
Registration: In person registration takes place at 10am, 4pm, and 9pm and is on a first come, first serve basis.
For More Information Please Contact: 778-212-1401
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Bartley Court Shelter West Kelowna is a temporary shelter which replaced the previous location at West Kelowna United Church. This shelter provides 42 spaces for individuals experiencing homelessness and is intended as a short-term interim housing until a longer-term solution is in place.
Location: 2515 Bartley Court, West Kelowna
Operating hours: 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Eligibility: Anyone over the age of 19 who is facing barriers to housing or experiencing homelessness. In order to be eligible, people must also be willing to follow house rules, including no bullying, and good neighbourliness.
Registration: In-person registration takes place between 2 pm and 4 pm Monday to Friday at 2515 Bartley Court. Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Free Services Provided: While staying at the shelter, residents can access case planning, referrals, laundry, showers, and meal services. This facility also has a resource room with books, games, movies, and a bulletin board for jobs and apartment rentals.
Additional Information:
- there are no fees to stay at Bartley Court Shelter in West Kelowna.
- this facility is funded by BC Housing.
For more information please contact: 778-583-4881