(File photo: CFJC Today).
HOMELESS SHELTER

Yacht Club, Stuart Wood gym to be used as temporary winter shelters

Aug 14, 2022 | 7:06 AM

KAMLOOPS — The City of Kamloops will work with BC Housing to open two temporary winter shelters downtown by November 1, according to information released from a closed council meeting on May 31.

Last year, some shelters in the city were over-capacity during a cold snap.

“The City and BC Housing initiated early planning and identification of potential locations in response to requests from Council and residents for earlier planning to support unsheltered people experiencing homelessness,” says Kathy Humphrey, the City’s corporate services director and author of the release.

The gymnasium in Stuart Wood elementary school will be one of the shelters. It has been used as a temporary winter shelter since November 2017.

The Yacht Club, located at 1140 River Street, will be the other temporary shelter.

“These temporary winter shelter locations will be in addition to existing shelter services in the community and are necessary to meet the needs of the over 200 individuals identified as experiencing homelessness in Kamloops,” says Humphrey.

The shelters will be open 24-7 and provide meals, hygiene facilities, connections to longer-term housing options and support services.