Renee Stein (Image Credit: CFJC News)

By Sydney Chisholm

stuart wood shelter

Out of the Cold responds to concerns expressed by Stuart Wood shelter neighbours

Apr 19, 2023 | 5:24 PM

KAMLOOPS – Renee Stein, executive director of Out of the Cold describes the Stuart Wood shelter as a very unique shelter experience.

“We do shelter a little bit differently,” Stein said. “Not only do we identify people as guests or family, we also try to have them feel an ownership in a space, too, so they have a sense of belonging somewhere.”

Residing in a shared space, Stein feels this approach is really important for the rest of the community.

Because it only operates from 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., Stein believes the community impact is limited.

Despite recent concerns from community members, the executive director is certain multiple checks are done every day to ensure the public’s safety.

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“Most of our guests are parents as well, and that is something we contently bring to their attention as well is that this is a shared space and we need to be good community members,” she explained.

Out of the Cold reports more than 500 different people using its services since it opened in November.

According to the operator, many of the guests who come through Stuart Wood are not chronically homeless.

Women and children fleeing domestic violence, patients discharged from hospital and an increasing number of elderly guests unable to find affordable housing are just some of those who end up in one of the shelter’s 25 beds.

Stein believes the local distress around the shelter may stem from a lack of understanding about what the shelter does.

“I think it’s really important that we destigmatize what shelter is. Shelter is an emergency bed for anybody who needs it.”