Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Amandalina Letterio

MEMORIAL ARENA

Ben’s Story: How the Memorial Arena shelter is one man’s saving grace

Nov 5, 2021 | 4:36 PM

KAMLOOPS — After recreational user groups in Kamloops expressed their frustration with a shelter located at the Memorial Arena — the Canadian Mental Health Association is sharing one shelter resident’s story, and why the space is so important to those living inside.

Ben Kniehaus has been living at the Memorial Arena for five months. The temporary shelter has been his saving grace while he makes steps toward rebuilding his life.

“We’ve all got our own problems that occur, for whatever reason. But some of us just have a hard time figuring it out,” Kniehaus told CFJC News.

“At least it’s a place where you can try and figure out what you’re doing, where you’re going and how you’re going to get there,” he continued.

Question of the Week

With King Charles III visiting Canada this week, do you feel the monarchy is relevant to Canadians?

May 26, 2025

1000 Ways to Heal

1000 Ways to Heal: Exploring the Outdoors

May 26, 2025

Looped In

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: May 26, 2025

May 26, 2025

Kniehaus was born and raised in Kamloops but eventually moved to Alberta to start a business that was flourishing.

Six years ago, he decided to move back, but didn’t have the same success.

Now jobless and homeless, the shelter has become his lifeline and the residents and staff have become his family.

“Nobody wants to be in that position. So, the general concept is, ‘Try to make things better’, and it gives a safe feeling that nobody’s out to harm anybody,” he said.

The Canadian Mental Health Association operates the Memorial Arena shelter. It’s more than just a warm place to stay — the staff assist clients with wrap-around services for mental health, gaining job skills, and healthcare. The goal is to help those at the shelter get back on their feet.

“He’s part of our peer program, where he goes out and cleans the street and he gets paid a real wage. And that is helping create some life skills for him,” explained Alfred Achoba, executive director for the Canadian Mental Health Association in Kamloops.

“He can gain meaningful employment skills that he can carry with him. And that’s one of his goals — to get employed,” Achoba added.

The CMHA says the shelter is also judgement free, which makes a noticeable impact on the mental health of its residents. It’s a relief they can’t feel on the streets.

“You just feel as though you are outcast as an individual that isn’t wanted in the area, because of his circumstances or her circumstances,” Kniehaus said.

Although he’s not earning a living wage, Kniehaus says the shelter is giving him the comfort and support he needs to move forward.

“At least with the arena here, you can sit back, think about what you gotta do, who you gotta see and what appointments you gotta make and try to move on with your life instead of just trying to find some place to sleep,” he added.