The BC Government says a new 25-bed long-term shelter has opened its doors in downtown Salmon Arm.
The shelter at 341 Fraser Ave, will be operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Shuswap Revelstoke branch. It will be open year-round, 24 hours a day, and is meant for people either experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Salmon Arm.
“These new permanent spaces will benefit the entire Salmon Arm community, as they ensure vulnerable people have a safe, warm place to stay not just during winter months but year-round,” BC Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon said.
“I would like to thank the City of Salmon Arm for working with us so diligently to get these spaces up and running. They are an important step towards ensuring everyone in the community has permanent, secure housing.”
Work on the facility – which will operate on a city-owned lot with a 10-year lease to start – has been underway for a while, after Salmon Arm’s BC Housing-funded homeless shelter closed its door for good at the end of May last year.
The new shelter repurposes some pre-existing modular units, which the province says meant it was built quickly and at a lower cost.
“We are pleased to open the Marshlands shelter, and that unhoused individuals in our community will have access to year-round 24/7 shelter services,” said Dawn Dunlop, executive director of CMHA-SR.
“Marshlands will connect individuals to resources and supports, that will foster individuals moving into permanent stable housing.”
There was no winter shelter in the community last year, which – according to MLA Greg Kyllo – meant as many as 30 people in the community were forced to live in tents outside.
BC Housing will provide about $1.5 million in annual operating costs for this shelter, which could be extended another five years, according to the province.
“Access to safe, low-barrier shelter for the unhoused is a vital component of a healthy community,” Salmon Arm Mayor Alan Harrison said in a statement.
“Providing a warm, safe place to stay is the first step in helping people move forward. The City of Salmon Arm is grateful for the work of BC Housing and CMHA for helping to make that a reality.”
