‘Solace’ to provide 40 shelter beds aimed at older populations

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“We have a lot of new units, as well, in supportive housing, which would be the next step after this once people have a little bit more stability and they are ready for permanent housing but maybe need a little bit more supports,” said Tyler Baker, BC Housing’s director of development for the region. “We also have a lot of new units coming on as affordable housing.”

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Both BC Housing and the Mustard Seed alluded to the Point-in-Time Count showing a need for a seniors facility. The shelter will be a dry facility, not allowing drug use.

“Over 55 per cent of the people who are experiencing homelessness (in Kamloops) were over the age of 45,” said Katie Hutchins from the Kamloops Mustard Seed. “We are seeing that more and more, and in our shelters, we are seeing more folks who maybe have mobility challenges, they are just struggling with some of those health factors that come with aging, so it is becoming a more increasing need every day.”

While classified as senior, the building, equipped with 40 beds, showers, a commercial kitchen and common areas, will not have a firm age restriction.

“One of the things with people who are experiencing homelessness, their health can be affected in different ways and can show up age-related – things we’d expect to see in an older person in a younger person. Mustard Seed will work to select people who are a good fit for the type of programming and the type of spaces we have here,” added Baker.

Finishing touches are underway on site, with clients expected to begin moving in next month.

“Shelter is just one space where we can stabilize people, offer them a sense of dignity and hope, and then move them forward,” added Hutchins. “For some people, it might just be getting comfortable with a routine again, maybe learning some life skills, connecting with different agencies that can help them move forward. But it’s really important – if you don’t have a safe place to sleep every night, it’s really hard to make those steps forward.”