The Out of the Cold winter shelter will not be opening in Kamloops this year after an unsuccessful search for a new location.

Executive Director Lena Cimmarrusti says it is disappointing, but notes Out of the Cold volunteers will help other agencies like the Mustard Seed and ASK Wellness this winter, as best they can.

“We have a lot of toques and coats and hats and we have volunteers that are ready to help out and cook. We have the availability of food to give out and we do want to something, so we are looking to partner with some of the other existing organizations for the rest of the winter.”

Cimmarusti says Out of the Cold Kamloops was hoping to move into the Canadian Mental Health Association building on Seymour Street, but notes that is no longer a viable option.

“I had also stared at that time that we had some paperwork to go through and something didn’t quite work out for us,” she added. “I’m not 100 per cent sure what that is at this point.”

Cimmarusti says the search for a new location for next winter is already underway.

“The City regularly works with service providers to facilitate solutions to meet the community’s housing needs across the entire affordable housing continuum, including emergency shelters,” added Natalie Serl, the Social and Community Development Supervisor at the City of Kamloops, in a statement.

“We appreciate the efforts of all of our community partners and recognize the challenges they face to meet the needs of our most vulnerable population.”

Cimmarusti says people looking for a place to stay overnight should visit either the Emerald Centre or the Mustard Seed downtown.

For people looking for a warming centre, ASK Wellness has Spero House and Crossroads Inn open until Friday, while the Mustard Seed runs a day room on weekdays.