One of the Okanagan香蕉视频直播檚 most-needed community resources has opened the doors to its shelter for the winter season and according to some weather projections it will be just in time.
碍别濒辞飞苍补香蕉视频直播檚 (IFTC), a local seasonal shelter with a 17-year history of providing a safe and welcoming environment for people experiencing homelessness, began offering shelter to residents on Nov. 1 and with an unseasonably cold winter approaching, Executive Director Jan Schulz says the resource is needed now more than ever.
香蕉视频直播淢any of our residents struggle to find a place to sleep at night,香蕉视频直播� she said. 香蕉视频直播淎nd during the warmer months, the need for indoor shelter isn香蕉视频直播檛 as pressing. However, once the temperature drops, it becomes much more challenging and our goal is to ensure the homeless members of our community have a safe and comfortable place to spend the night.香蕉视频直播�
The 2017 Farmers Almanac is predicting below normal temperatures as well as above average precipitation for the Southern Interior 香蕉视频直播� a combination that can make overnight outdoor conditions especially difficult. While staff and volunteers at IFTC can香蕉视频直播檛 do much about mother nature, their efforts to provide the best care to guests at the shelter can make a huge difference in the lives of many.
香蕉视频直播淲e like to think of ourselves as small but mighty,香蕉视频直播� said Schulz. 香蕉视频直播淭here is a huge need for shelter during the cold months and every bed we can provide goes a long way to supporting some of the most vulnerable members of our community.香蕉视频直播�
IFTC has 35 beds and is available to men and women, transgender, couples, pets, and individuals with various barriers. Upon arrival, a vulnerability assessment is completed and priority sequence is determined.
As a volunteer-based, charity organization that relies on donations and fundraising efforts to cover operating expenses, IFTC is grateful to everyone who has donated their time, efforts, and monies.
"The support we receive from our volunteers and from donors is really what keeps the doors to our shelter open,香蕉视频直播� said Mark Dixon, IFTC Board President. 香蕉视频直播淲e operate for the five coldest months of the year and during that time we rely on hundreds of volunteer shifts to ensure our community香蕉视频直播檚 homeless have a warm place to sleep. I couldn香蕉视频直播檛 be more grateful for the support we receive from all of those individuals who give of their time and resources.香蕉视频直播�
IFTC offers a number of other services and programs, including:
香蕉视频直播� Chandler House 香蕉视频直播� providing permanent housing for eight men who were previously chronically homeless.
香蕉视频直播� Inn Home Support Program 香蕉视频直播� supporting persons who were formally marginalized and homeless, and can benefit from the support and advocacy this program offers.
香蕉视频直播� Case Management 香蕉视频直播� connecting someone experiencing homelessness with required support services.
香蕉视频直播� Free Store 香蕉视频直播� providing free items such as clothing, outdoor gear and toiletries to those in need.
香蕉视频直播� Kelowna Kodiaks 香蕉视频直播� providing the homeless and marginalized members of the community an opportunity to participate and benefit from the team-building sport of soccer.
