KAMLOOPS – The Government of British Columbia is opening additional shelter beds in Kamloops to make sure people in need have access to safe and secure housing as the cooler weather arrives.

In November, the Province will open approximately 30 short-term beds at 185 Royal Ave. The Canadian Mental Health Association will operate the building and provide residents with 24/7 support to help them transition into more permanent housing.

On-site supports will include life skills training, employment assistance, connection and referral to community services and support groups to help ensure people can achieve and maintain housing stability.

This is an interim measure until new, permanent supportive housing is available. In spring 2019, residents will be relocated to the planned, new supportive modular housing at 317 Tranquille Rd. and 259 Victoria Street West.

The new shelter beds are in addition to the 55 temporary supportive homes under construction at 777-817 Mission Flats Rd.

In November, there will also be 13 additional shelter beds available at the Emerald Centre shelter at 271 West Victoria St., increasing the total number to 55 beds.

Quick Facts:

• The 2018 National Point-in-Time Homeless count found 201 people experiencing homelessness in Kamloops.
• In January 2018, the Province and the City of Kamloops partnered to develop two new permanent supportive housing developments, located at 317 Tranquille Road and 259 Victoria Street West, which will provide approximately 104 homes with 24/7 supports for people experiencing homelessness.
• The Province is currently developing a homelessness action plan informed by the results of the 2018 homeless counts, the comprehensive consultation on the Poverty Reduction Strategy and engagements with experts on homelessness from across British Columbia.

Learn More:
Building BC: Rapid Response to Homelessness program: https://www.bchousing.org/partner-services/major-projects/rapid-response-homelessness

Read Homes for B.C., government’s 30-point plan to address housing affordability for British Columbians: bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/2018/homesbc/2018_Homes_For_BC.pdf

Contacts:
Lindsay Byers
Media Relations
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
250 952-0617

Rob Viccars
BC Housing
media@bchousing.org
604 417-0355