Stuart Wood Shelter (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

WINTER SHELTERS

‘Do we have enough beds? We absolutely do not’; Kamloops shelters preparing for winter

Oct 23, 2023 | 5:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — With overnight lows in Kamloops forecast to hit minus temperatures this week, shelter operators are gearing up for the winter season.

Last year at this time, Out of the Cold was scrambling to secure a facility for a winter shelter. Fast forward 12 months and Executive Director Renee Stein believes the shelter at Stuart Wood is in a good position for the winter.

“I think we are actually in a better position than we have been in previous years,” said Stein. “Thankfully to the city and [Tk’emlups] and BC Housing we have been able to continue our service year-round, which is a huge bonus because we are not scrambling to get winter shelter this year. We are already here, we are already running. That has been very beneficial to help keep folks healthier.”

Despite the trio of shelters, including the Yacht Club, and extreme weather shelters set to be operated by other organizations, it’s expected the city will still be lacking warm beds.

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Out of the Cold has seen 804 unique visitors in the past 12 months, more than doubling the previous figure.

“Do we have enough beds? We absolutely do not,” said Stein. “Last night, we saw 53 people arriving at Out of the Cold, attempting to get 25 beds. There is a scramble out there to try and stay warm. The one thing we don’t have to offer is warm coats. We don’t have warm clothes.”

With a lack of beds and increasing numbers of people experiencing homelessness in Kamloops, finding a solution to the shelter crunch is not simple answer.

“Do we need more shelters? Yes, we do — but we also need affordable rental options for folks. Their rental portion in their PWD (Persons with Disabilities) and their assistance hasn’t increased to keep up with the changes in rent. There is no way that somebody who is getting $375 is able to compete within the Kamloops rental market,” added Stein.

Stein mentioned how they have a number of clients that have been with them for a long period of time due to a lack of transitional housing.