KELOWNA 鈥 At just 18 years old, T.S. was walking toward the mountains, carrying nothing but exhaustion, hunger, and uncertainty about where to turn next. Homeless and hopeless, they stumbled upon a community barbecue at the BGC Okanagan Downtown Youth Shelter.
That day in sa国际传媒 changed their life.
What TS found was more than a meal and a warm bed they found hope. They found people who cared, and programs designed to help them move forward.
This is the heart of BGC Okanagansa国际传媒 Youth Shelter and shelter diversion programs: ensuring that youth at risk of homelessness don鈥檛 just find a temporary solution, but a pathway to safety, dignity, and a brighter future.
A New Approach to Homelessness Prevention
For years, the emergency shelter system focused on creating a sense of belonging for youth who had nowhere else to go. While this compassionate approach offered immediate relief, it didn鈥檛 ad-dress the root causes or long-term consequences of entering the shelter system.
鈥淥ur shelter used to focus on welcoming youth with open arms, and thatsa国际传媒 important, but it some-times meant we missed the chance to ensure there were no safer alternatives,鈥 said Sarah MacKinnon, BGC Okanagan vice-president, youth, family and community programs.
鈥淣ow, we鈥檙e prevention focused. Shelter diversion helps youth stay connected to the people who care about them most, creating solutions that protect them while we work on long-term stability.鈥
While the youth shelter offers beds, supplies and resources for overnight stays, the goal is shelter diversion. This model involves connecting youth with family, friends, or other safe and supportive networks in their lives. Staff work collaboratively to overcome barriers, such as providing food or mediation, so youth can avoid the risks associated with homelessness.
鈥淚 think diversion is needed,鈥 shared one youth. 鈥淏efore, it was just about finding a bed. Now, theresa国际传媒 real work on housing and finding other options. Diversion gave me a sense that I won鈥檛 end up in a shelter or on the streets.鈥
For youth like TS, these programs mean everything. They provide stability, reduce the risks associated with homelessness, and help youth rebuild relationships with those who care about them.
鈥淓very young person deserves safety, dignity, and the chance to build a future,鈥 said Jeremy Welder, CEO of BGC Okanagan. 鈥淲ith your support, we can continue to offer these life-changing programs and ensure youth like TS never have to face another night of uncertainty.鈥
How You Can Help
Your donation directly funds BGC Okanagan’s Youth Shelter and Shelter Diversion Programs, providing essential resources for vulnerable youth in our community. Join in creating hope and a future for youth in the Okanagan. Visit: to donate today.
