Use of the shelter has increased over the winter
The warmer weather has taken some of the pressure off the Kelowna Gospel Mission as staff continue to work feeding and sheltering the city's homeless.
Executive Director Randy Benson says during the cold snap, the Mission housed over 100 people every night.
"As well, the cold snap meant that our doors were open during the day, so the services that we ran during the day – over the last month or two – have been very busy. It's put a lot of extra stress on my staff, but we're glad the weather seems to be warming up now," says Benson.
He says the other nice thing is when temperatures get above freezing, the courtyard is open and people can get outside which eases a lot of pressure. Staff and guests can get outside and get some fresh air and everybody's in a better mood.
Benson says this winter, they've seen an overall increase in those needing the shelter – and have also seen an increase in drug overdoses around the facility, similar to what the rest of BC has been experiencing.
"All of our front line staff is trained in administering naloxone and are able to treat if we see an overdose around our facility. It puts a whole different stress upon our staff, in the way they have to take care of people, so that's been a factor as well," he says.
Benson says typically donations drop-off after the holidays, but during these last weeks of winter, the Gospel Mission could still use gifts of warm clothing and basics like coffee and sugar.
