2022 – 2023
Carmen’s Letter
“We have to be more than a bed and a sandwich!” has been my catchphrase for the past year and a half since we released our strategic plan. Beds, soup and coffee are foundational to our work here at the Mission—but the work is much deeper than that.
With a housing crisis, mental health crisis and ongoing toxic drug epidemic, our work has become more sophisticated. In response, our team has been building a robust program that offers mental, emotional, social, financial and spiritual support to our residents and clients.
In this report, you will see some numbers showing how many nights of shelter we provided and how many coffees we gave away. By next year, we hope to report on the impact of those programs, showing how they are actually creating sustainable change in people’s lives.
Thank you all for your support in this difficult and rewarding work.
For the love of all,
A New Program & Step Up in Spiritual Care
We’re very pleased to introduce a brand new wrap-around service for those we serve and those who serve at Kelowna’s Gospel Mission—led by Levi Simpson, our Director of Spiritual Care.
Offering spiritual care is a key priority for our team. Many people feel the absence of God in their lives, and this program acknowledges feelings of emptiness, alienation, and loneliness by coming alongside individuals during their stay with us and providing a compassionate and supportive presence. In this way, we hope to show and share our love for those we serve, to contribute to their journey of embracing their sense of worth, and to open doors for the possibility of reconciliation.
Program activities currently include scheduled one-on-one conversations, with plans to introduce rhythms of spiritual studies and mindfulness practices as the team grows. While the program is in its early stages, promising partnerships and volunteer training are underway. With your continued support, we’re excited to enhance our impact and improve the spiritual wellness of all we serve!
Annual Report: YOU Changed Lives in 2023!
With your generous support, we achieved remarkable milestones in 2023.
Financial Numbers
| Income | |
| Monetary Contributions | $3,880,087 |
| Dental Clinic | $286,761 |
| Thrift Store | $512,702 |
| Food Truck | $44,322 |
| BC Housing Contracted | $4,493,687 |
| Total Income | $9,217,559 |
| Expenses | |
| Administration | $576,377 |
| Advertising & Fundraising | $677,735 |
| Program | $7,293,616 |
| Total Expenses | $8,547,728 |
Programs and Services
Dental Clinic
- Complex surgical cases: 21 volunteer hours
- Smiles restored: 2920 hours of restorative dental work
- Emergency dental procedures: 837 people who are now pain-free!
- Patients assisted: 2,680 people with improved oral health
- Preventative dental work: 1085 hygiene appointments performed
Three Decades of Making a Difference: Thanks Cory Lea!
Cory Lea of Kelowna Ready Mix is a long-time donor. Her family’s 30-year connection began through her father-in-law.
“We feel that giving back to our community is both a personal and a corporate responsibility.
Our relationship with KGM has turned into a friendship. We have been a downtown business since 1976. The level of need seems to increase right before our eyes. They have invited us to come along beside them, to love our collective neighbours and to help be part of a solution.
We wish more people knew how much unconditional love and acceptance that KGM extends to the unsheltered. Kelowna’s Gospel Mission is making a difference in Kelowna.” — Cory Lea Neufeld
We’re so grateful to the Neufeld family and Kelowna Ready Mix for their lasting partnership!
Create lasting change in Kelowna by donating today!
Home is Where the Paws Are: Dani & Bosley’s Story
For many, a pet is more than just an animal. It’s a family member, a source of unconditional love and support. Coming from multiple foster homes and a life of addiction, Dani’s life hasn’t been easy. But when faced with homelessness, she found solace in the unbreakable bond between herself and her dog Bosley.
“Bosley has always protected me. He will be four in May, and we’ve been together since he was a puppy. I used to live in a ‘tent town,’ and it was terrifying. Before that, we lived in a tiny car for an entire summer in the heat, with no air conditioning.
My main goal is to achieve independence and a dog-friendly home suitable for his size. However, finding an affordable place is proving to be extremely difficult. But I’m glad he’s with me and feels safe at the shelter. He’s really spoiled here. The staff even throw a few extra sausages on my plate for him during breakfast!” — Dani
Because of you, Dani and her dog have more than just shelter—they have a community that recognizes the importance of keeping loved ones together, no matter how many legs they have. Thank you for supporting families of all shapes and sizes in Kelowna.