Emergency Shelter (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

WINTER SHELTERS

Kamloops’ extreme weather shelter opens as temperatures drop

Jan 8, 2024 | 7:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — With snow expected to fall throughout the area and temperatures dropping fast, shelter operators are expecting a sharp uptick in demand for their services this week.

“There is going to be a huge need. We are going to see new folks coming, knocking at the shelter doors,” said Nyasha Manyanye, Kamloops Mustard Seed Director of Operations. “Some folks who never used to come to shelters before because of different reasons. There are going to be new faces, for sure, just looking for refuge during this extreme weather conditions.”

The mild start to the winter has allowed the Mustard Seed and Kamloops Alliance Church to prepare for what is the city’s first true week of winter.

“We have partnered with Mount Paul Community Food Centre. They make us our breakfast burritos that we serve. We have done quite a bit of canvassing of our own congregants to come up with people who are willing to cover shifts, both evenings and mornings,” said Missional Engagement Pastor with Kamloops Alliance Church Diane Down.

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This is the second year that the Seed has partnered with the Alliance Church to provide an emergency shelter with 22 of the 30 beds full Sunday (Jan. 7) night.

“We learned a lot last year — what worked, what didn’t work. How to help get people inside as fast as possible and not have to stand outside in a line. We get our volunteers involved in that, getting them assigned to beds in addition to getting warm food and beverages ready for everybody,” added Down.

The North Shore location of the church helps the Mustard Seed assist a portion of the city with fewer services around, something the Seed is keenly aware of.

“We are currently providing 54 beds to the homeless population in Kamloops. With these additional (30 beds) here at Kamloops Alliance Church, it’s really going to help cover the gap that is already existing with so many people here on the North Shore side who don’t have the shelter beds,” said Manyanye.

It’s expected that all 30 beds at the emergency shelter will be full by the end of the week, further highlighting the need for more shelters spaces and support services in Kamloops.

“We are always advocating for more spaces to be provided in the city for those who are vulnerable and experiencing homelessness,” said Manyanye.