A temporary winter shelter in Penticton could remain open until April 2026, but funding from the province is needed. The City Council recently voted to keep the 40-bed shelter at 402 Warren Ave. East operational. It opened in November 2024 and has been crucial for many individuals facing homelessness.
Mayor Julius Bloomfield expressed concern about the uncertainty of provincial support. “We haven’t heard if the funding will come through,” he said. Without the extension, the shelter was set to close at the end of March. Since its opening, it has helped 65 people, with 11 successfully moving into permanent housing. Currently, 38 individuals are living at the facility.
Council member Isaac Gilbert is hopeful for permanent housing solutions. “I want to see people get permanent housing,” he stated. He emphasized the need for city councils to take more initiative rather than solely depending on provincial provisions.
Another council member, Campbell Watt, raised concerns about the underlying issues of homelessness. “We often label homelessness as a mental health or addiction problem, but that’s not entirely our responsibility,” he pointed out. He urged the provincial government to take more action in addressing these challenges.
According to a report submitted to the council, BC Housing is “satisfied” with how the shelter operates. However, the shelter’s future depends on securing funding by the end of March. If successful, it will receive financial support from BC Housing, with management provided by the Penticton and Area Overdose Prevention Society.
Homelessness continues to grow, not just in Penticton but across Canada and North America. A recent report from the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness shows an increase in homelessness rates over the past few years, with many regions struggling to find comprehensive solutions.
Blake Laven, the city’s general manager of development services, highlighted the urgency of the situation. “This extension buys us more time to find sustainable options for those in need,” he said. If the funding is secured, the shelter will remain open until March 31, 2026.
It’s clear that while temporary solutions like this shelter provide immediate help, long-term strategies for housing and mental health support are critical as the region navigates this complex issue.
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