An open house about a new temporary interim shelter in Smithers is being hosted by BC Housing.
The new shelter is part of the province’s HEART and HEARTH program in collaboration with the Town of Smithers.
It would see the former temporary warming shelter location at the intersection of Queen Street and Third Avenue repurposed to have 25 beds.
According to BC Housing, the main factors being considered for the site include its size, proximity to healthcare and other services, and public transportation access.
The previous warming shelter only supported 10 beds which BC Housing said would be increased through various upgrades if the site is approved by town council.
It added the Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) site is intended to have minimal barriers to provide shelter and services while minimizing requirements preventing access.
“Generally, HEARTH sites often offer 24/7 in-house support with at least three staff on site at all times, to offer referrals, case planning, and harm reduction, designed to help residents transition toward stability,” BC Housing said.
The shelter would also be closed down after its 40-unit housing, 20-bed shelter project is finished on Alfred Avenue.
The open house will happen on May 13 at Muheim Elementary from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with a virtual open house happening on May 21.
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