Inn From the Cold – Kelowna info@innfromthecoldkelowna.org 250-448-6403

                    

Process: 
Guests meet for intake at 1159 Sutherland Ave side entrance at 7:00 pm. (This is the Columbus building, across from Extra Foods). Intake finishes at 8:30pm, however if guests want a bed, they are encouraged to come at 7pm or soon after, as it is first come, first serve. A bed cannot be guaranteed if guests show up much later or close to the end of intake. (This location is our trial basis location for reception and intake. Guests are encouraged to come for intake and stay in a warm, dry building in our guest room. We have couches, chairs, tables, games, washrooms, and at TV). Coffee, tea and hot chocolate as well as a few snacks are served.
The bus leaves for the host church at 9:00 pm.  People are offered a place in the following priority:
1. women                                  3. working people                                 
2. established couples                4. returning guests

When we have more people than we can take in, we will call other homes or shelters to try to find a spot for everyone.  We have great cooperation from other facilities, but overall emergency placement is inadequate.  Prospective guests who have other possibilities for accommodation should look into these options first.  Admission to the shelter is through the intake process to the bus.  We CANNOT accept people who show up at the church.   

A staff person and volunteers are on duty to set up the shelter, to situate guests, to help with the food service provided by volunteers and to supervise overnight.  In the morning, another staff person and one or more volunteers arrive to lay out a light breakfast and clean up.  If possible, workers who must start early are given a ride to labour outlets and are provided with a bag lunch. 

If physically able, guests are responsible to clean up their space and to help with packing up the shelter supplies.  Storage of personal items is not possible.
The bus leaves to transport guests downtown at 7:00 am on weekdays, 8:00 on week-ends and most holidays.

Referrals: 
We are able to act as a referral service to offer support for guests who are seeking more permanent housing options or other urgent services.

Our Supporters: 
Inn from the Cold-Kelowna is a volunteer-based, non-profit society.  Funding comes from individual and group benefactors, local churches, the Central Okanagan Foundation and Service Canada.  For more information, our website is www.InnfromtheColdKelowna.org.