By Jill Sperling

Mustard Seed’s Winter Refuge program easing strain on Kamloops shelters

Jan 18, 2019 | 2:23 PM

KAMLOOPS — The city’s newest winter shelter is easing the pressure on other social agencies aiding the homeless population in Kamloops. 

The Winter Refuge in the Mustard Seed New Life Community’s Outreach Centre is funded by BC Housing and provides up to 30 bed bug resistant sleeping mats and a shower space for guests. 

Visitors can also use storage totes provided to store their personal belongings overnight. 

The Winter Refuge program has welcomed an average of 18 to 20 guests a night since opening its doors on Jan. 8. 

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“Well, we’re funded for 30,” said Diane Down, managing director of the Mustard Seed New Life Community. “Because we’re a part of a coordinated access with BC Housing and the other agencies in town, so folks who have taken the vulnerability assessment tool. We actually have to go out now and find those folks and invite them in. And, honestly, our winter has been pretty mild, so some folks are not as motivated to come indoors where they have to live with a few more rules than they might prefer.” 

Down says since the winter refuge opened, spaces have opened up at other shelters around town, ensuring more people have a place to go over the winter months. 

The Winter Refuge will be in operation until March 31. 

“The folks that were vetted, they’re coming every night,” Down said. “So, I think there’s just a sense of gratitude that they have a place to come.”