KELOWNA–Staff at the Inn From the Cold homeless shelter believe the number of homeless people in Kelowna is increasing.
“Since our shelter has been open, since November 1, we’ve had to turn people away every single night,” says Executive Director Jan Schultz.
They’ve increased their available beds from 35 to 40 this year, but it still isn’t enough.
The last homeless count done in Kelowna was in 2013, when 447 people were identified as being homeless.
Kelowna city council has approved hiring a Social Issue Coordinator to investigate all facets of the homeless issue.
“It’s not just homelessness,” says City Councilor Mohini Singh. “It’s also drug addictions, it’s also mental illness, a host of problems.”
The position involves coordinating with existing agencies and seeking additional funding.
Still, the budget for the three year contract, which tops out at $109,000 per year, has some people raising their eyebrows.
“I know we’ve had this discussion, I’ve talked to a lot of people about this, it seems the amount we’ve approved is a lot, but remember this person doesn’t have an 8 to 4, clock in clock out job,” says Singh.
“It’s the same old attitude. If you want the best you have to pay the best.”
Comments