The Mustard Seed says the temporary winter shelter at the Kamloops Yacht Club will now be open 24/7 to the end of March next year.

It says the move will mean there are another 20 beds for people who are homeless in Kamloops.

“At The Mustard Seed, we believe everyone needs a warm, safe place to be, off the streets in from the cold winter weather,” Managing Director, Kelly Thomson, said, noting there has been an overwhelming need for shelter space in Kamloops.

“We have completed the training and orientation of another 15 staff to be able to operate this facility full-time for the balance of the winter months.”

Thomson says The Mustard Seed has hired 19 full-time staff to operate this winter shelter, noting they will also have security personnel on-site while the shelter is operational.

BC Housing has provided funding for shelter operating costs during the winter months.

The shelter on River Street first opened its doors on Nov. 8, with plans to operate during cold snaps only, before it was extended through the winter a week later.

The Mustard Seed is also operating a 30-bed extreme weather shelter at the Kamloops Alliance Church, starting on Dec. 14.