Abstract: We apply the coupled-channel Gamow shell model to calculate the spectra of ¹⁷O and ¹⁷F, as well as ¹⁶O(p,p) elastic cross sections at low energies. It is shown that continuum coupling is necessary to account for the particle-emission width of the unbound eigenstates of ¹⁷O and ¹⁷F. The low-lying spectrum of ¹⁷O and ¹⁷F and ¹⁶O(p,p) excitations functions are in fair agreement with experimental data. Nevertheless, it is also shown that the use of a realistic nuclear Hamiltonian is needed to have an optimal reproduction of ¹⁶O(p,p) elastic cross sections in the low-energy region.