Although the numbers haven’t been as high as expected, organizers at the 
Vernon Women’s Shelter are pleased with their progress so far.The shelter is nearing the end of its first week in operation and has hosted about five women per night in the 15-bed shelter. “Right now we’re about a third full but we expect the numbers to go up as women learn about the shelter as the cold weather sets in again,” said Annette Sharkey of the Social Planning Council for the North Okanagan. “We’re still trying to work out some of the bumps and we’re coming up with a procedure to work with local shelters.”Sharkey said the first week has been a “whirlwind” as they hired two full-time staff and two-part time staff.
Vernon Women’s Shelter are pleased with their progress so far.The shelter is nearing the end of its first week in operation and has hosted about five women per night in the 15-bed shelter. “Right now we’re about a third full but we expect the numbers to go up as women learn about the shelter as the cold weather sets in again,” said Annette Sharkey of the Social Planning Council for the North Okanagan. “We’re still trying to work out some of the bumps and we’re coming up with a procedure to work with local shelters.”Sharkey said the first week has been a “whirlwind” as they hired two full-time staff and two-part time staff. More than 40 volunteers have also been trained to take part in running the shelter, she said.“We’re really, really excited to see so many women take part in the training,” Sharkey said. “We’re also thrilled to have experienced staff on board.”Part of the job of the newly hired shelter co-ordinator is working with the other local shelters to spread the word that there is a place for women to sleep at night. Other local service provid-ers are also beginning to let women know they don’t have to sleep outside anymore.“The media has done a great job letting the wider community know about the shelter but with this group that kind of information needs to come from trusted sources,” she said. Now that the shelter is up and running they’re looking for some donations to help out the women who stay at the shelter.
Sharkey said that one of the biggest needs is for granola bars or other food items that the women can take with them when they leave the shelter in the morning. Donations of soap and other toiletries would also be greatly appreciated, she said.Shelter organizers are now turning their attention to finding a longer term home for a women’s shelter. Sharkey said they’ve been so busy setting up the temporary shelter that they’ve only just started seeking a permanent solution.“We’re hopeful that we’ll find something because the community has been great to this point,” Sharkey said.The shelter is located in the Canadian Mental Health Association office on 25th Avenue. Shelter donations can be made to the Social Planning Council for the North Okanagan by calling 545-8572.
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