The Richter Street Overnight Program is BGC Okanagan's emergency youth shelter — the only dedicated emergency youth shelter in the Okanagan — located at the downtown youth centre at 1633 Richter Street, Kelowna. The 10-bed shelter serves youth ages 13 to 19. Youth ages 19 to 24 are occasionally supported when it is safer and more appropriate than the adult system. Youth receive crisis counselling, food, showers, clean clothing, access to phones, transportation support, and calm adults who refuse to let them face crisis alone. BGC Okanagan has operated a shelter diversion program since 2016 — every youth who arrives is first supported to find safer alternatives within their own network before a bed is offered. The shelter is open 8:00 PM to 7:00 AM, 7 days a week. A drop-in centre at the same location runs Monday to Friday, 3:00 to 8:00 PM, offering dinner, showers, laundry, internet, recreational activities, and referrals. Phone: 250-868-8541 ext. 202 Email: shelter@bgco.ca Website: bgco.ca Source: bgco.ca, March 2026
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Community resources for Kelowna & West Kelowna