Lady and two kids sitting on a floor and playing

Who We Are

Kelowna Women's Shelter is a safe place of refuge for women and their children, and serves Kelowna and surrounding area boundaried by Peachland and Oyama.

"This place is a gift to ALL that need a safe place to stay."

CALL FOR HELP 24/7
250-763-1040 DONATE NOW

History of Caring

Since 1980, the Central Okanagan Emergency Shelter Society (operated as the Kelowna Women’s Shelter) has offered safe emergency accommodation and essentials such as food, clothing and toiletries for women and their children who have experienced domestic abuse. Serving women in need from Oyama to Peachland, we also provide, at no cost:
- Ongoing individual and group domestic abuse support
- Planning and transportation assistance
- Advocacy and outreach
- Preventive education programs for both women and children.

All Kelowna Women’s Shelter services, programs, and supports are free, confidential and available 24/7. The Shelter is a member of the British Columbia Society of Transition Houses, Ending Violence Association of British Columbia, Shelter Net BC, and Women's Shelters Canada. Read our full list of programs and services, and you can learn more about how you can help.

Two ladies talking sitting at a table facing each other

Our Mission

Helping women and children live in safe
and equitable communities free from abuse.

Our Vision

Break the cycle of Domestic Abuse.

Core Values

Feminist / Women-Centred

We acknowledge that women and those who self-identify as women have lived different experiences, and we understand that systemic inequality exists. We practice from principles based on equity and equality to counter the impacts of oppression and control.

Excellence

Committed to researching and delivering evidence-based programs and practices to support staff and help reduce women’s vulnerability.

Collaborative

We share knowledge, foster positive relationships, and seek input and contributions from internal and external partners.

Empowerment

We believe women are the experts in their own lives and should have control over all of the decisions which impact them. We do not impose actions on women, but strive to provide choice and encouragement.

Safety

Safety is the fundamental principle of the work we do, and it informs every decision we make. We strive to ensure women and children feel emotionally and physically safe during their stay with us.