The Bulkley Valley Harm Reduction Society was selected to operate BC Housing’s new interim shelter on Third Avenue in Smithers.
BC Housing said The Eddy will be open 24/7 with three staff on-site at all times and operate until its Alfred Avenue development is complete.
“This is something we really feel is needed in our community and we’re really excited to be able to have the resources to do this work on a bigger scale than last year,” said society spokesperson Billie Kennedy.
The new HEARTH funded shelter was announced in February and received council approval on July 14.
BC Housing said renovations on the former temporary shelter are expected to start in October with The Eddy opening later this year.
A main difference with The Eddy is it will have 25 beds, an increase compared to the previous temporary warming shelter.
“I think one thing that is going to be less challenging is having more beds,” said Kennedy.
“One of the hardest parts about last winter was knowing there were people who really needed somewhere to sleep that was warm, and having to turn them away because we had reached out occupancy limit,” she said.
Kennedy also thanked the community for its support during the temporary warming shelter’s operation.
More information about the new shelter can be found on the society’s website.
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