File photo: Alanna Kelly
Kelowna’s Inn from the Cold has ceased operations after 20 years serving the homeless.
The not-for-profit society closed its St. Paul Street office on Friday.
The organization offered emergency shelter, case management, in-home support and other services.
“It is with much regret that we feel we have no choice at this time but to close the society’s office,” treasurer Kim Froom said in a press release.
“We have been blessed to work with an amazing group of staff who are incredibly skilled and compassionate in their support of the homeless and who have continued to remain loyal to the Inn and what it stands for, despite the challenges we’ve faced over the past couple of years.”
In January, Inn From the Cold closed its emergency shelter when its lease ran out. The shelter had been the source of many complaints from neighbours and businesses in the neighbourhood.
The Sutherland Avenue property has been sold for redevelopment. A months-long search for a new space was unsuccessful, however. Clients were moved to the new Heath House on Harvey Avenue and elsewhere.
“The Inn’s board of directors will take time to evaluate the society’s values, purpose and future direction, while holding firm on its vision of a community where no person is homeless,” the press release stated.
“The board wishes to acknowledge the tremendous media support it received during its quest for a new building lease and is hugely appreciative of the hundreds of volunteers who’ve sustained the Inn’s work over the years and who continue to support the Inn during its transition.”
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